Jannik Sinner cruises in opening Madrid victory against fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego

There was a lot that was unfamiliar for Jannik Sinner as he entered his first match at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday. After the pre-tournament withdrawal of Novak Djokovic, Sinner came into the tournament as the No. 1 seed at an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career. He didn't play in Madrid in 2023; and won just two matches combined in his two previous trips to the tournament.

But against a familiar foe, 28-year-old countryman Lorenzo Sonego, there was more than enough on court to make him comfortable: Sinner cruised to a 6-0, 6-3 win against his fellow Italian, booking a spot in the third round after just 69 minutes on court.

Sinner set the tone early in the second-round match, played under the roof on Manolo Santana Stadium due to rain in Madrid, by winning the first 10 points. In all, he lost just eight points in the first set. Sonego got on the board after seven games, but only after he saved a break point in his first service game of the second set.

"It was completely different conditions than we used to practice," Sinner said afterwards. "Roof closed. I know Lorenzo quite well. We have a good friendship off the court, we play Davis Cup together, we practice a lot together.

"Also the mental side was a little bit different than it used to be, so I'm just happy how I handled the situation. He didn't play at his best. I think we saw this. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season."

The world No. 52 later lost serve for a fourth time in the match, the break of serve that decided the second set, from 40-15 ahead in the fourth game.

Sinner improved to 5-0 against his elder compatriot with the win; he's lost just one since in those matches. In all, the 22-year-old never faced a break point, and lost just nine points in eight service games.

For a spot in the last 16 in Madrid for the first time, Sinner will face either No. 32 seed Jordan Thompson of Australian or Pavel Kotov.

"We came here quite early, so we tried to prepare in the best possible way," Sinner said. "But in the other way, I'm working very hard in the gym physically. I have to accept a couple of things more while I play the match, but it's in my mind. I know this. This is me trying to find a good rhythm here, and which the main goal is then be in top form in Roland Garros.

"I think this is the goal of all of us. So, yeah, I'm just happy to be here. I mean, last year I was not able to play here, so even more excited."