Sinners defeats Eubanks in straight-sets to reach French Open second round

Italian world number two Jannik Sinner appeared to have fully recovered from his injury problems as he defeated American Christopher Eubanks 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the French Open on Monday.

Sinner, the Australian Open champion, withdrew from the Madrid Open and missed the Rome Masters due to a hip injury, but returned to form at Roland Garros as Eubanks was eliminated at the first round for the second consecutive year.

"The hip is good, I'm glad that my team and myself, we were working very hard to be on court as soon as possible," Sinner said.

"For sure, the general shape is not at 100% yet, so we try to build every day."

The Italian broke twice in the first set to go up 4-1 before Eubanks broke back, but Sinner finished the set with another break and needed only one break in the next two sets to advance to the second round.

"Honestly, I'm just happy to be back on court, I was injured, so I'm very happy to be back here," Sinner said.

"It's a very special tournament for me, it was the first time in a quarter-final of a grand slam, so I have some great memories."

The American fought valiantly until the end, forcing two break points with Sinner serving for the match, but the Italian's smile quickly returned as he recovered under the roof of Court Suzanne Lenglen.

"Thanks everyone, the support has been amazing, the roof closed for the first time here on Suzanne, so I'm very happy," Sinner said.

Sinner, who has the opportunity to become world number one for the first time in the next two weeks, will face French wildcard Richard Gasquet, the Italian hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's second-round exit.

"I know I have to improve some things so I'm happy that I have my team. They push me every day and let's see what I can achieve in the future," Sinner said.

"Also, being happy on the court, which is maybe the most important, and I truly enjoy to play tennis so I'm very happy to be here."

SportsLigue