Jannik Sinner eases past Luciano Darderi to reach Australian Open quarter-finals

Sinner, who also served a grand slam career-best 19 aces, said: “It was very, very difficult. We are very good friends off the court."

Jannik Sinner saw off compatriot Luciano Darderi (Dar Yasin/AP)

Jannik Sinner put his third-round drama behind him to ease into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Two days after the two-time defending champion cramped badly against Eliot Spizzirri and was saved by the closing of the Rod Laver Arena roof, Sinner defeated compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-3 7-6 (2).