Defending champion Janic Sinar is back in the fourth round of the Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Defending champion Janic Ciner reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the fourth time on Saturday night with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over 46th-ranked Marcos Giron of the United States at the Australian Open.

Cener was unbeaten in 17 matches last season. He had an eventful 2024, claiming his first two Grand Slam titles, reaching No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time — and going through a doping case that has yet to be fully resolved, as the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed his exemption.

The 23-year-old Italian’s next opponent in Australia will be No. 13 Holger Rooney, who beat Miomir Kekmanovic 6-7 (5), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

After eliminating Giron, who was attempting to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time, Sina was critical of himself, particularly pointing to his 16-of-24 success rate on points when he advanced.

“My net game percentage wasn’t really good,” Ciner said with a laugh.

“Definitely, I have to improve if I want to go to this tournament,” he added. “So hopefully in the next round, I’ll be able to raise my level.”