Jannik Sinner powered into the Wimbledon semi-finals with a commanding 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday. The defending champion has now won four straight matches in straight sets since his five-set first-round encounter, conserving energy and avoiding any repeat of the physical struggles that plagued him at Roland Garros.
Sinner's Efficient Performance
Sinner saved a set point in the second set but controlled the match by dominating short points. Almost 80% of points ended in four shots or fewer, with Sinner winning 91-72 (56%) in that category. He also led 17-18 in 5-8 shot rallies and 6-5 in extended exchanges. "It felt like I was serving quite intelligently today," Sinner said. "Also, how I handled important moments in that match because if you lose the second set, everything can happen again."
Struff's Challenge
Struff, playing his first Grand Slam quarter-final, served brilliantly early, dropping just four points on serve through 5-5 in the first set. However, Sinner broke in the 11th game and served out the set. The Italian broke for 2-1 in the second but was immediately broken back. He saved a set point at 4-5 with a big serve before taking the tie-break 7-4. Sinner finally broke again at 4-3 in the third set with a forehand winner and served out the match.
Heat Management
Despite concerns about high temperatures after his physical meltdown in Paris, Sinner said he felt comfortable. "It was warm, but nothing crazy," he noted. "In Australia, I feel like it's tougher because with hard court it comes also from underneath. It was quite dry today, which is a big difference." He credited his team for work done after Roland Garros to understand what went wrong.
Zverev Reaches First Wimbledon Quarter-Final
In other action, Alexander Zverev completed a 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6) win over Jiri Lehecka to reach his first Wimbledon quarter-final. The match was suspended on Monday due to the 11pm curfew at 3-3 in the third set. Zverev lost three games in a row on the resumption but rallied to win the fourth-set tie-break. "Who would've thought it would've taken me only 12 years to get here? I'm incredibly happy and relieved," the French Open champion said.
Semi-Final Outlook
Sinner will face either Novak Djokovic or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals. The world No. 1 expressed readiness: "I try to be as ready as I can for the semis."
