Jannik
Sinner defeated
Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-4, advancing to the final of the ATP
500
Rotterdam Open. The world No. 4 extends his impressive match win streak to
14 and reaches the 16th final of his career, boasting 11 titles and 4 runner-up
finishes.
The
22-year-old Italian once again showcased his excellent form, dominating
Griekspoor (No. 29) throughout the entire match. The young star took an early
lead and displayed a formidable serve to secure a spot in another final, where
he will face
Alex de Minaur.
The first
set unfolded perfectly for Sinner, who secured a break in the opening game,
setting the tone with a comfortable advantage. With a steady serve, Sinner
faced no issues, while Griekspoor struggled against the Italian's effective
cross-court forehand. In the fifth game, Sinner secured another break, and
despite facing two break points against him, he closed the set 6-2, clearly
outclassing his opponent.
Nevertheless,
the Dutchman entered the second set with determination, applying pressure to
Sinner's serve and earning several break points. However, the Italian remained
impeccable in crucial moments to maintain the balance. Griekspoor felt the
pressure at 4-4, conceding his service game without scoring a point in the
ninth game. With the advantage and the opportunity to serve for the match,
Sinner seized the moment and closed out the match 6-2, 6-4, entering the final
as the favourite against De Minaur.
De Minaur
extends his great moment: Alex De Minaur (5th seed) solidifies his position in
the top-10 after a tremendous victory over Grigor Dimitrov (6th seed) in the
semifinals, winning 6-4, 6-3. He will face
Jannik Sinner for the second
consecutive time in a final. The last encounter saw Sinner claiming the title
at the Masters 1000 Canadian Open in August of last year.
De Minaur
was a clear demonstration that in tennis, success comes in crucial points.
Dimitrov was nearly flawless with his serve, achieving a 76% first serve and
winning 74%, well above De Minaur's 58% first serve, though the Australian
managed to win 73%.
In a
closely contested match, Dimitrov had three break points in his favor but
couldn't capitalize on any, while the Australian seized all three break
opportunities he had during the match. De Minaur will play in his 15th ATP
final (7 titles, 7 runner-ups) and has secured the world No. 9 ranking, the
highest of his career so far.