ATP Tour

Sinner opens redemption bid with ruthless Roland Garros start

Jannik Sinner returned to the site of his most painful defeat on Tuesday evening with a point to prove at Roland Garros, where he launched his 2026 campaign in ruthless fashion.

The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings lit up Court Philippe-Chatrier with another polished display to move past French wild card Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the clay-court major. Sinner let three championship points slip away against Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final, but the 24-year-old Italian returned with an immediate reminder of why he remains the man to beat in Paris.

As much as last year’s heartbreak still lingers, Sinner has an even greater source of motivation at Roland Garros in 2026. The World No. 1 is aiming to become just the seventh man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam, joining one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs.

“I’m very happy to be back here,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “It’s a very special place and I have great memories overall. First-round matches are never easy, but it’s even more special to start the tournament during a night session, so thank you all for staying out.”

In his first meeting with World No. 171 Tabur, Sinner consistently controlled play from the baseline, firing 40 winners and avoiding facing a break point, according to Infosys Stats. The Italian also showcased his defensive brilliance under pressure, highlighted by a swatted forehand squash shot from deep and a sliding backhand winner combination in the third set.

Sinner is now riding a 30-match winning streak after sweeping all five ATP Masters 1000 titles this season, in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome. With his triumph in Rome nine days ago, Sinner became just the second — and youngest — man after Novak Djokovic to complete the Career Golden Masters.

Still, all attention in Paris will centre on his pursuit of the Career Grand Slam over the coming fortnight. Sinner, a four-time major champion, will next meet Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round at Roland Garros. Cerundolo earlier defeated Jacob Fearnley 6-2, 7-6(0), 7-6(7).

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