Sinner finds his feet on grass to reach title match

Jannik Sinner picked up his pace this week after a run of three-set victories, with the top seed defeating Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 7-6 (3) to reach his first grass-court final.

The world No. 1  will bid for the title at Halle against doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz after the Pole dispatched Germany’s Alexander Zverev 7-6 (2), 6-4.

Sinner earned his 37th match win this season against just three defeats and was happy to get through in straight sets against his Chinese opponent ranked 42nd.

Sinner saved Zhang;s only break point – a set point in the second – limiting the semi-final encounter to just under an hour and three-quarters; he finished with 30 winners as he reached the 18th Tour final of his career.

“This means a lot, I’ve had four very tough matches to get to the final,” Australian Open champion Sinner said.

“This week is a great preparation for Wimbledon, I’ll have a (practice) week  off and that’s good for the body.

Sinner added: “It was a good match today, there were more rallies than yesterday. It’ what I needed.”

Sinner and Hurkacz stand 2-2 in their series, with the Italian winning their last meeting in Monte Carlo just over a year ago.

“This is grass and anything can happen,” Sinner said. “The final will be difficult.

“Hubi has won the title here and knows the occasion well. I’m excited – every day you pay a final is a good day.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner winning in Halle today – by Terra Wortmann Open