Melbourne: Current champion Janik Sinner has secured his place in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2026, marking the third consecutive year he has reached this stage of the tournament. On Monday, at the Margaret Court Arena, Sinner defeated fellow Italian Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2) in the fourth round match.
Concerns had arisen about Sinner’s fitness after he struggled with cramp in the previous match against American Elliott Spizziri. However, he dispelled those doubts by raising his level of play significantly in this encounter. Sinner dominated the first two sets with powerful serves and relentless baseline pressure, leaving Darderi with little opportunity and quickly taking the lead.
The third set turned highly competitive as Darderi fought back strongly. In the crucial moments at 4-4, the 22-year-old Sinner adopted an aggressive approach once again. He converted four break points and then excelled in the tiebreak by winning seven consecutive points to clinch the match.
The match lasted two hours and nine minutes, during which Sinner hit 46 winners, including 19 aces. These statistics highlight his power, precision, and confidence on court. According to the ATP, this victory extends Sinner’s flawless tour-level record against Italian opponents to 18-0.
Having been the champion in 2024 and 2025, Sinner has now won 18 consecutive matches at the Australian Open. Additionally, since his last defeat in Shanghai in October of last year, he has amassed a winning streak of 19 matches overall. This form positions him as a strong contender for a third straight Australian Open title, an achievement only Novak Djokovic has managed in the Open Era.
Sinner will next face either American Ben Shelton or Norway’s Casper Ruud on Wednesday.
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