Jannik Sinner eases past Luciano Darderi to reach Australian Open quarter-finalsBy Eleanor Crooks, Press Association Sport Correspondent, MelbourneJannik Sinner put his third-round drama behind him to ease into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. Two days after the two-time defending champion cramped badly against Eliot Spizzirri and was saved by the closing of the Rod Laver Arena roof, Sinner defeated compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-3 7-6 (2). He has never lost to a fellow Italian at tour level, extending his winning record to 18-0 and it was not until the third set that Darderi offered any substantial resistance. Sinner, who also served a grand slam career-best 19 aces, said: “It was very, very difficult. The pair met four times last year – including in Melbourne and at Wimbledon – with Sinner winning on each occasion.

Source: Irish Independent January 26, 2026 21:02 UTC