Sinner wins a struggle over Fonseca

Jannik Sinner needed two tight sets to finish off rising threat Joao Fonseca on Tuesday as the Italian advanced to the last eight of the Indian Wells Masters 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4).

The second seed led by a set and 5-2 but was broken to love while serving to close it out at 5-4.

It took a second tiebreaker to advance over a 19-year-old opponent tipped to also become a major factor in the sport and a likely younger rival to Sinner and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner, 24, had to save three Fonseca set points in the opener and emerged after a tough test which required over an hour per set to win.

“It felt like an important match, important points. I found some good solutions, but it was very tough, tough match,” the winner said.

“He’s a very, very high-quality player, so I’m very happy to get the win.

“In both tiebreaks, I tried to go for it, trying to be aggressive, which I felt like today was maybe the key.”

Sinner added: “It’s tough to play against him. I served very well throughout, but maybe dropped a bit at the end of the second.

“I felt the important moments went my way, which can decide these matches.”

Sinner has reached the quarter-finals in 11 of the 12 Masters events since the start of 2024.

He is now three shy of his Masters victory century, leading his nation in that category.