Sinner wins opener in Melbourne after hitting with Federer

Jannik Sinner was just eight points from victory on Monday before torrential downpours postponed his first round match against Max Purcell. With nearly a full day to think (or overthink) about the next two games, Sinner returned to the court on Tuesday.

He quickly broke his opponent, then held serve to secure his first ever Grand Slam main draw match victory, 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-4. It might be useful to remember his name, as according to many, Sinner is destined for greatness.

"He will be Top 10 very soon," Benoit Paire told Sky TV after beating him in Auckland. "I know next time he will beat me for sure, so it's good to beat him now."

Even Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have taken notice of the 18-year-old’s potential.

“He has a good character on court. He's positive. He has everything to achieve a great tennis career," Nadal said on Tuesday. ‘The only thing he needs to do in my opinion is have the right people around and work."

Nadal practiced with Sinner for the first time ahead of the major. It seems Federer appreciates Sinner’s clean ball-striking, as the two also seen practicing before the Australian Open. Sinner said it was his third time sharing a court with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Sinner has all the tools to make a deep run in Melbourne, but first will have to get through a rock-solid Marton Fucsovics, who upset Denis Shapolavov in the first round.