Sinner hangs tough amid momentum shifts

Jannik Sinner fought his way into a first-ever semi-final at the ATP Halle grass event on Friday, overcoming a challenge from German Jan Lennard Struff 6-2, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (3).

The world No. 1 needed all of his mental discipline to fight back against the crowd-pleasing local, who made a match of it after losing the opening set in rapid fashion.

The contest turned hyper-competitive as the challenger won the second set with a tiebreak sweep,

Sinner had to muster his past championship form to rescue the win  in two and a half hours to advance to the final four at the Wimbledon tune-up event.

The Italian was able to convert on only two of 16 break chances, but managed to deal with the big serve of Struff, who struck 18 aces to the 14 of the winner.

“It was a very tough match, i had chances but I couldn’t use them

“But you need to accept those chances and stay tough mentally.

“I’m pleased to be in the next round, but now I need to rest for tomorrow, I’ve played a lot this week.

“I’m happy with how I played the two tiebreaks. There are days when you have to dig deep to win a match.”

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