Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 22, 2026 Italy's Jannik Sinner in action during his second round match against Australia's James Duckworth. REUTERS/Edgar Su
MELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner outclassed home wildcard James Duckworth 6-1 6-4 6-2 to stroll into the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday.
The Italian world number two was in no mood for an extended shift on Rod Laver Arena as he set up a clash with American Eliot Spizzirri.
It was Sinner's 27th successive Tour-level victory against Australian players, his last defeat against one coming against Duckworth in Toronto in 2021.
A repeat of that never looked likely though as Sinner produced an immaculate display.
From the moment he landed a backhand winner in the corner to break Duckworth's serve in the fourth game he was in control.
Sinner claimed the first set in 26 minutes and although Duckworth offered more resistance in the second, the Italian's controlled power and placement was too much for his 34-year-old opponent who has never gone past the second round.
The end came quickly as Sinner claimed a 12th successive match win without dropping a set, finishing off a one-sided contest with an ace.
(Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis)
