Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run at the 2026 Australian Open, securing his 18th consecutive victory with a decisive 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2) win over compatriot Luciano Darderi on Monday. The two-time defending champion has now reached the quarterfinals at nine consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, solidifying his status as a modern-era titan of the sport.
After battling extreme heat and cramps in his third-round match, Sinner thrived in cooler evening conditions. Despite a spirited third-set surge from Darderi, the world No. 2 closed out the match in a commanding tiebreaker. "I felt quite good out there physically," Sinner remarked post-match, hinting at his readiness for tougher challenges ahead.
Next, Sinner faces No. 8 seed Ben Shelton, who overcame Casper Ruud in a four-set thriller. The Italian holds an 8-0 record against the American, including a 2025 semifinal victory at this same event. Their upcoming clash promises high stakes as Sinner eyes a historic third consecutive Melbourne title.
