French Open: 'Everyone's dream' - Jannik Sinner to become world No. 1 after reaching semi-finals
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ByOli Gent
Updated 04/06/2024 at 16:57 GMT
Jannik Sinner moved into the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time in his career with a commanding straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Sinner, who is now set to be world No. 1, took full advantage of the despondent Bulgarian, who showed little desire to chase the winners and drop-shots that the Italian was striking down. The Australian Open champion came through 6-2 6-4 7-6(3).
Grigor Dimitrov v Jannik Sinner - Roland-Garros highlights
Jannik Sinner moved into the semi-finals of the French Open with a comfortable straight-sets win over Grigor Dimitrov.
The Italian second seed didn’t need to hit top gear against the Bulgarian, who cut a desolate figure at times on Court Philippe-Chatrier, going down 6-2 6-4 7-6(3).
Dimitrov had complained before the match of pain in his hand, and something seemed to be troubling him as he found himself resoundingly a set down as his efforts waned.
However, he showed more desire in the second set, but the damage had already been done in the opening game of the set, with a return winner from Sinner sealing the early break.
Dimitrov, the 10th seed, raised his levels as the Parisian crowd sought to lift his spirits, and he rallied in the third set, going toe-to-toe with Sinner, the Australian Open champion, trading service holds before eventually cracking at 4-4, with a forehand narrowly wide putting him on the brink of an exit.
He broke back immediately with Sinner serving for the match, prompting a roar from the Chatrier crowd, as the third set went to a tie-break.
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Dimitrov blinked first; a sudden net rush was cottoned onto quickly by the second seed, who lasered a backhand winner down the line to score the first mini-break, and he doubled his money with an unreturnable cross-court forehand to go into the changeover 4-2 up.
The Italian closed it out in style, with two big serves teeing up three match points. He needed just the one, with a final Dimitrov backhand flying long.
He will play either Carlos Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals.
An opening love-hold for Dimitrov, the tenth seed, set him in good stead for a positive and hard-fought encounter against the reigning Australian Open champion, but it was anything but that in the following games.
Sinner sought to be the front-footed aggressor early, going after the Bulgarian's backhand wing, and earning his reward in the third game, converting the second of his break-point opportunities to lead.
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'Something clearly not right' - Below-par Dimitrov really struggling against Sinner
He doubled his break advantage two games later with Dimitrov looking bereft of confidence and ideas as winners zipped past him and shots of his own hit the net or flew out, and a palmed forehand into the net brought up a comfortable 4-1 lead for his Italian opponent.
A final few flicks of the wrist from Sinner had him a set to the good, and even after the set changeover, Dimitrov still seemed like he was lacking a strategy, throwing in strange drop-shots or net approaches that the world No. 2 was easily picking off with passing shots or lobs.
A return winner had him down a break, and he couldn't recover fully, despite an impressive upping of the ante, where he rediscovered his touch on the forehand side, showing fighting spirit at 3-3 to stave off the threat of the double-break.
It seemed as though Sinner was holding the lower part of his back, moving into his hip, throughout the second set, and that could have posed the Italian a problem considering that he had had to withdraw from the Rome Open with a hip injury three weeks prior to Roland-Garros.
However, the Italian's mobility and shot selection remained unfazed, crashing an inside-out forehand winner for two set points, before a Dimitrov backhand return landed long with one hour and 21 minutes on the clock.
The third set was far more competitive, with Dimitrov more confident off both flanks, and even threatening a break of his own in the second game, although Sinner quickly extinguished any hope there.
However, cracks began to appear once more in the tenth seed's game as he was broken at 4-4, shanking a forehand wide to give Sinner the opportunity to serve himself into the semis.
He couldn't, though, with Dimitrov showing some heart to drag the third to a tie-break.
Ultimately, Sinner's quality shone through, as he notched a double mini-break to head into the changeover at 4-2, and he served out the affair confidently.
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'Sinner with the initiative' - Italian secures crucial break against Dimitrov
"Very happy," Sinner said of his performance afterwards.
"We’ve played against [each other] a couple of times before. We know what to expect. We played the final in Miami against each other. It’s always tough to play against him; he’s such a great talent and nice guy.
"The atmosphere has always been amazing. It’s a huge pleasure to play on this court. Thanks everyone for coming out and staying.
"My performance was very solid, especially the first two sets. Then I had a bit of tension when I was serving for the match, but this is normal. This is tennis. I’m very happy with how I reacted later, and I’m very happy to be in the semis.
"Against every player you have to play a bit differently. You have to adjust a little bit. I think it’s nice for the game, having one-handed backhands. It’s a better style.
"There aren’t so many left; so we have to appreciate the one-handed backhand. I’m looking forward to [the semi-final]; it’s going to be a huge pleasure to play again here on this court."
The Italian was told after his victory that he would become the world No.1 at the end of the tournament after the news broke that reigning champion Novak Djokovic had withdrawn with a knee injury.
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'Everyone's dream' - Sinner reacts to becoming first Italian world No. 1
"What can I say?" Sinner said.
"It’s everyone’s dream to become No. 1 in the world; on the other hand, seeing Novak retiring here is disappointing for everyone. I wish him a speedy recovery.
"I try not to think about that too much because this is a tournament where I used to struggle a lot, especially in the last two years, so I’m happy to be in the semi-finals, try to enjoy it, and play my best tennis.
"It’s a special moment for me, and I’m very happy to share this with you guys, and all the people watching from home, especially in Italy. Let’s see what I can do on Friday.”
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
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