The Japan Times - Sinner keeps run going by crushing Humbert in Monte Carlo

Following his impressive "Sunshine Double" in March at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 tournaments, winning the two titles without dropping a set, the 24-year-old Italian made a flawless start to the season's first clay court event.

Imperious on hard courts, Sinner is still seeking a major title on this surface, although he came close last year when he led by two sets and had three championship points before losing a five-hour, five-set, French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.

"It was a good performance from my side," Sinner said adding the first clay event "is never easy".

"You have to change your game style a little bit, how you approach certain situations," he said.

"I come here with good feelings but, at the same time, not many expectations."

Against the Frenchman Humbert, whom he had faced only twice, the last time five years ago, Sinner took a few games to find his rhythm.

The Italian broke his opponent's serve in the fifth game before holding to love and taking a 4-2 lead.

Humbert saved a double break point, but eventually lost his serve again and the first set 6-3.

The second set was a one-way affair. The Italian did not concede a single game to the Frenchman, sweeping him aside 6-0 in 23 minutes.

Sinner will face Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in the next round.

The Italian took his run of wins in 1000 events to 18 matches. He is in contention to reclaim the No. 1 spot in the rankings from defending champion Alcaraz, who followed Sinner onto court against Argentine Sebastian Baez.

In first round action on Tuesday, Italian 15th seed Luciano Dardei collapsed in the third set against Hubert Hurkacz. The Polish veteran won 7-5 (7/4), 5-7, 6-1.

K.Hashimoto--JT