Sinner keeps focus to fend off Alex Michelsen at US Open

Jannik Sinner, of Italy, reacts after scoring a point against Alex Michelsen, of the United States, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships. Picture: AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson

Throughout the past week, as ­Jannik Sinner has taken his first steps toward putting the revelation of his failed doping tests behind him, the Italian has repeated in almost every appearance and ­interview that he is taking things match by match and day by day. He is endeavouring to focus only on the immediate task ahead, ­blocking out all else.

In the process, the No 1 continues to lay the foundations for a title challenge at the US Open. On Thursday, Sinner navigated a turbulent opening set against a tricky young opponent to reach the third round with a 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 win over Alex Michelsen of the United States.