Jannik Sinner is into yet another quarterfinal at Indian Wells after overcoming a passionate crowd, hecklers, and Joao Fonseca 7-6 7-6 in the fourth round.
A match that promised to be a glimpse into the future of tennis turned out to be everything that was expected and more, as the World No. 2 eventually held firm and survived a real test against an inspired performance from Fonseca.
Crowd Drama and Tiebreak Escape for Sinner
The match started off as many had expected, with displays of powerful linear hitting dominating early on to set the tone of the match. What was more surprising was how Fonseca was not only able to handle Sinner’s power at the baseline but replied back with even more authority, averaging around 90 mph on his forehand side throughout the first half of set one.
That stayed true for much of the first set, as both players, on the back of their first serves and raw power, looked set for a collision course in the tiebreak. And just one point away from reaching it, the crowd became too loud and disrespectful for Sinner, who had to ask the chair umpire to take care of some hecklers sitting near the court.
After that additional piece of drama, the tiebreak commenced. It was the youngster who raised his level first, racing to a 6-3 lead and holding three set points. And then Sinner showed why he has been one of the two best players in the world for the past couple of years, as he not only saved those set points but won five points in a row to close out the set in remarkable fashion.
Fonseca Pushes Sinner All the Way Again
After that crushing blow, it felt like Fonseca, who has shown physical issues in his young career, might begin to fade away, but that was certainly not the case. Despite going a break down in the middle of the set, Fonseca kept his level remarkably high, playing Sinner almost evenly from both the baseline.
Then, just when it looked like Sinner was about to serve out the match, Fonseca found another gear, breaking the Italian to love to extend the contest and eventually send it into another tiebreak. This one, however, was much calmer for Sinner, as he maintained his level to close out the match with a return winner.
Another Young Challenge Awaits
Although the match was played at a very high level from start to finish, it will be the loser in Fonseca who will undoubtedly take more positives from this encounter. He not only pushed Sinner as close as one can in defeat, but arguably should have won the first set and taken the lead in the match if not for nerves and inexperience against top opposition.
As for Sinner, he continues to enjoy a very solid tournament in the desert so far, where he is yet to drop a set despite facing some dangerous opponents. He will now shift his focus to yet another youngster in Learner Tien, whom he will face in the quarterfinals.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
