ATP Rotterdam: Jannik Sinner sets Daniil Medvedev title clash



by JOVICA ILIC

ATP Rotterdam: Jannik Sinner sets Daniil Medvedev title clash

Jannik Sinner will seek his second consecutive indoor ATP title in Rotterdam. Jannik took down Tallon Griekspoor 7-5, 7-6 in the semi-final in an hour and 56 minutes to set the title clash against Daniil Medvedev. Jannik claimed the Montpellier title last week and will seek his second ATP 500 crown on Sunday after Washington 2021.

Griekspoor used a wild card with both hands and almost advanced into the title clash. He claimed only six points fewer than Sinner in a mighty close duel that offered a single break chance! The Italian seized it in the opening set's closing stages and prevailed in the tie break of the second to arrange the final meeting with Medvedev.

Jannik fired 24 winners and 22 unforced errors, and Tallon added 26 winners and mistakes. The younger player made a slight difference in the most advanced exchanges, but there was nothing to separate them from start to finish.

Sinner fired an ace in the encounter's opening game for a hold at 15.

Jannik Sinner is a win away from back-to-back ATP titles.

Griekspoor grabbed the second game to get his name on the scoreboard and settle into a fine rhythm.

The Dutch player held after deuce in game four to remain on the positive side, and the Italian painted a stunning backhand down the line winner in game seven for 4-3. There was nothing to separate them in the following four games, and the better-ranked opponent closed the 11th game to build a 6-5 lead.

Griekspoor served to stay in the set in game 12 and showed signs of nerves. Jannik attacked at 30-30 and forced the rival's mistake with a smash for the set point. Tallon netted a backhand to lose serve and fall 7-5 behind. The second set produced 12 commanding holds, with no chances for the returners outside one deuce!

Jannik served at 2- and allowed his opponent to climb back to 40-40. The Italian stayed calm and wrapped up the game to remain on the positive side. There was nothing to separate them in the next seven games, and the set went into an expected tie break.

Sinner moved 3-2 up with a beautiful backhand down the line winner and grabbed a mini-break at 3-3 following the rival's backhand error. Griekspoor reduced the deficit to 5-4 but sprayed a forehand error to give Sinner two match points.

The home star saved the first with a volley winner at the net, and Jannik clinched the second at 6-5 with a perfect lob winner.

Atp Rotterdam Jannik Sinner Daniil Medvedev