Sinner rides recovery to dismiss Moutet

Jannik Sinner was slammed with a first set shock but quickly reversed course to overhaul Frenchman Corentin Moutet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals of the French Open.

The second seed who is within touching distance of a possible takeover of the ATP No. 1 ranking, stayed the course as he concluded his comeback after two and three-quarter dramatic hours on court.

The 22-year-old Italian was surprised in the opening set but steadied to came from a break down in the second set before winning it to lock in his fightback momentum,

Moutet started the third set with a surprise underarm serve for an ace but could not keep Sinner from taking a two-set-to-one lead after two hours.

The Italian broke to start the fourth set with a break to put his French crowd hero opponent on the back foot.

Trailing 3-1, Moutet was called for a foot fault as he sent over another underarm serve which landed good, with the Frenchman complaining mightily to no avail and failing to crack his racquet in anger as he fell to 1-4.

Sinner closed out the comeback two games later on his first chance.

“It was very tough for me, he was playing well,” Sinner said. “I had to adjust a little bit after losing the first set.

“He plays a different game and he’s a lefty. I’m just happy to be in the next round.”

Victory gives Sinner an 18-0 career record against French opponents over the past three years and is moving closer to becoming the first Italian to top the rankings.

To achieve the dream he needs to reach the Sunday final in Paris.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner recovers from losing first set to win in four by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos