Sinner deals with early Madrid start, defeats Norrie

Jannik Sinner made the bet of an unaccustomed morning start, with the world No 1 extending his win streak to 20 matches as he defeated Cam Norrie 6-2, 7-5 on Tuesday at the Madrid Masters.

The top seed who will be playing only his second quarter-final in the high-altitude Spanish capital, was none too pleased at being handed the 11 a.m. opening match on the showcase court.

But Sinner did not waste time worrying as he came back to victory after briefly losing his lead of a set and a break against British No. 1 Norrie.

The Italian has now won his last 25 matches at the Masters 1000 level and is still working to become the first to ever win five straight titles in the elite series.

“Playing so early was quite unusual for me,” he said. “I don’t know the last time I played at 11.

“But the time doesn’t really matter, I try to do my best.”

Sinner did launch a complaint about scheduling in late-night Spain.

“Starting two (evening) matches from 8 p.m. is very late. Afterwards we need to eat, get treatment… but we try to adapt our bodies.”

Sinner and Norrie have been recent practice partners but had never met in a match.

“I knew what to expect,” the seed said. “I was also able to serve well in the important moments.

“I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals again and glad to be through in two sets.”