MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — After wasting a set point in the second tiebreaker with an ill-conceived drop shot, Jannik Sinner quickly reverted to what's been working for him and finished off a straight-set win over Nicolas Jarry to begin his Australian Open title defense.
The 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory on Rod Laver Arena extended Sinner’s winning streaks to 15 on both the tour and on hard courts in Grand Slams.
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Jannik Sinner of Italy serves to Nicolas Jarry of Chile during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after winning a point against Nicolas Jarry of Chile during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Arthur Rinderknech of France in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts during a break in his first round match against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex Michelsen of the U.S. reacts after winning a point against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex Michelsen of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin following their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Sofia Kenin of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. serves to Sofia Kenin of the U.S.during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Sofia Kenin of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
After all the pre-tournament attention on the 2024 doping cases of Sinner and long-time women's No. 1 Iga Swiatek, both started the year's first Grand Slam tournament about the same time on nearby courts on Day 2.
“Yeah, I was curious to see how it was,” Sinner said of the reception at Rod Laver, where he became a fan favorite last year. “You never know what’s happening. I was happy about the crowd. It was a nice atmosphere.”
Top-ranked Sinner had to grind for two long, tiebreak sets against No. 35-ranked Jarry, a 29-year-old from Chile, before finding his touch.
“It was a very close one because the first sets, they can go both ways,” Sinner said. "In the third set when I broke it the first time, that gave me a little bit of room to breathe.
“I’m happy how I handled the very tough situation.”
Sinner has got a good record at Melbourne Park in that department. He rallied from two sets down in last year's final to beat Daniil Medvedev for his first Grand Slam title, coming off a semifinal upset of 10-time champion Novak Djokovic.
While Sinner was deep into his match against Jarry, Swiatek, a five-time major winner from Poland, fended off top-ranked doubles player Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-4 on John Cain Arena.
Coco Gauff had a little difficulty adjusting to the sun at one end of Rod Laver Arena in Monday's first marquee match and dropped an early service game before quickly settling into a rhythm in a 6-3, 6-3 win over 2020 champion Sofia Kenin.
Third-seeded Gauff beat Swiatek to win the title at the WTA Finals last November and started this season by helping the U.S. to victory at the United Cup last week, against beating No. 2 Swiatek in the final.
Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion is wearing a Marvel-inspired bodysuit and skirt at Melbourne Park and she's radiating confidence and calm.
“I knew going in it was going to be difficult, but you know I’m happy with how I played,” she said of the 1-hour, 20-minute win over Kenin, who at No. 81 is a much tougher opponent than her ranking suggests.
“I mean (I) could serve better, but like on that side I was struggling to see the ball,” Guaff said, pointing to one baseline on the main show court that was bathed in sun. “So I’m just happy that I was able to manage through that.”
Another 20-year-old American, Alex Michelsen, produced the biggest win of his young career with a 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 first-round upset of 2023 Australian runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Michelsen's three booming service returns in the ninth game of the fourth set helped him earn a vital break against the 11th-seeded Tsitsipas and, after shaking off jitters on his own serve, he closed out for his first victory over a player ranked in the top 20 at a Grand Slam. No. 17 Frances Tiafoe advanced in five sets over Arthur Rinderknech of France.
Gauff went into her opening round on a streak of winning 33 matches against players ranked outside the Top 50, dating to a loss to Kenin at Wimbledon 2023.
The draw presented another tough trip to Australia for Kenin. It was the third straight year Kenin faced a Grand Slam champion in the first round in Australia, and her fourth consecutive first-round exit here.
Gauff will next play Jodie Burrage of Britain. No. 7 Jessica Pegula also advanced along with No. 12 Diana Shnaider, No. 28 Elina Svitolina, and Belinda Bencic, who ousted No. 16 Jelena Ostapenko. Lucia Bronzetti of Italy advanced over No. 21 Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Jannik Sinner of Italy serves to Nicolas Jarry of Chile during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after winning a point against Nicolas Jarry of Chile during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Arthur Rinderknech of France in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts during a break in his first round match against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex Michelsen of the U.S. reacts after winning a point against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alex Michelsen of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by compatriot Sofia Kenin following their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Sofia Kenin of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. serves to Sofia Kenin of the U.S.during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Sofia Kenin of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Australia wrapped up a comprehensive 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, sealing the second test with a commanding nine-wicket win in Galle on Sunday.
Top order batter Marnus Labuschagne flicked a delivery from retiring Sri Lankan player Dimuth Karunaratne to mid-wicket to complete the triumph, just 15 minutes before lunch on the fourth day.
It's Australia’s first test series win on Sri Lankan soil since 2011.
Their last success here came under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, a 1-0 victory in 2011. However, they suffered a 3-0 whitewash in 2016 under Steve Smith’s leadership, and the 2022 series ended in a 1-1 draw. This time, with Smith standing in as captain for Pat Cummins, the victory was a welcome redemption.
Australia approached the series with meticulous planning — including a training camp in Dubai — and executed their strategies with precision.
Their batters laid the foundation with big hundreds, allowing the bowlers to dictate terms with attacking fields. Meanwhile, the spinners displayed remarkable discipline and variety, putting relentless pressure on Sri Lanka and paved the way for a resounding 2-0 series win.
The tourists had set the tone early, winning the first test by an innings and 242 runs – Sri Lanka’s heaviest ever test defeat. They remained clinical in the second match, ensuring there was no way back for the hosts.
Sri Lanka resumed Sunday on 211-8, holding a slender lead of just 54 runs, with much riding on vice-captain Kusal Mendis, who had remained unbeaten overnight.
Mendis brought up his second half-century in the game by guiding Nathan Lyon to deep cover but perished in the same over, caught at short square leg by Steve Smith.
The dismissal was a milestone moment – Smith’s 200th Test catch, a feat previously achieved by only four players: Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root.
Beau Webster wrapped up the innings soon after, leaving Australia with a modest target of 75 runs.
Sri Lanka briefly found hope when Prabath Jayasuriya removed Travis Head (20) early, caught behind. However, Usman Khawaja (27 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (26 not out) calmly guided the visitors home with an unbroken 37-run stand.
Alex Carey was named Man of the Match for his outstanding 156 and four dismissals behind the stumps. His innings stands as the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia.
Steve Smith, the backbone of Australia’s batting, was named Player of the Series, having scored back-to-back centuries .
This victory marks Australia’s fourth consecutive test win, having also won the final two matches of its recent 3-1 home series against India. It plays South Africa in the final of the World Test Championship at Lords in June.
Sri Lanka slumped to its fourth straight defeat, sliding to sixth place in the final WTC standings.
AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
Australia's Nathan Lyon celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's Nathan Lyon appeals during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis celebrates his fifty runs during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's team members await a decision review during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's Travis Head plays a shot during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's Alex Carey breaks the wicket during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne plays a shot during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne plays a shot during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lankan players congratulate Dimuth Karunaratne who played his career last match at the end of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Fans watch the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's captain Steven Smith poses with the Warn-Muralitharan trophy at the end of second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva congratulates Australia's Marnus Labuschagne for their win during day four of the second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Australia's team members pose with the Warn-Muralitharan trophy at the end of second test cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)