Melbourne, Jan. 22 -- Two-time defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner extended his dominance at Melbourne Park with a commanding straight-sets victory over Australia's James Duckworth to march into the third round of the season's first Grand Slam on Thursday night.
Playing under clear but chilly conditions at Rod Laver Arena, the Italian world No.2 was in ruthless touch as he wrapped up a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win in one hour and 49 minutes, recording his 16th consecutive victory at the Australian Open.
The win also stretched Sinner's overall unbeaten run to 17 matches across tournaments, with the 22-year-old having not dropped a set in his last 12 outings since his defeat to Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai last October.
Sinner was sharp...