Roland Garros 2024 Men’s Day 10

Jannik Sinner seized control from the start and never gave Grigor Dimitrov a look in as the Italian rolled into a French Open semi-final on Friday while claiming the No. 1 ranking for the first time.

The 22-year-old earned a 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win and then learned that he will take over the top standing on Monday due to Novak Djokovic’s injury withdrawal from the tournament less than an hour earlier.

He had been due to face Casper Ruud.in a Wednesday quarter-final,

Sinner will be the first Italian to ever top the ATP table since the rankings began in 1973.

Djokovic had injured his right knee in a Monday fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo and quit the major after undergoing tests which revealed a torn meniscus.

Sinner took the news in his stride on court post-match after defeating Dimitrov.

“I tried not to think about this (during the match),” he said. “I’ve struggled at this tournament for the past two years.

“I’m happy to be in the semi-finals. I hope to enjoy the semis and play the best tennis possible. 

“It’s a special moment for me, let’s see what I can do on Friday.”

Sinner allowed Dimitrov no chances in the first two sets, taking a two-set lead after less than 90 minutes.

The Bulgarian lost the chance to reach his first Paris semi-final from 14 editions, having stalled three times in the fourth round.

Sinner’s only stumble came when he lost a break late in the third set, but raced through the ensuing tiebreaker for victory after two and a half hours.

“I knew what to expect from Grigor,” the current Australian Open champion said. “he’s tough and is such a great talent.

“I played very solid, especially in the first two sets. I’m happy to be in the semi-finals after a few problems in trying to serve it (match) out.

“I now have a couple of days to prepare the semis, let’s see what I can do.”

 Sinner will be playing his third semi-final from his last four Grand Slams.