Sinner sitting pretty with grass breakthrough

Jannik Sinner gatecrashed his way into serious Wimbledon title consideration with a 7-6 (8), 7-6 (2) victory over Hubert Hurkacz on Sunday at the ATP event in Halle for his first grass-court title.

The world No. 1 who took over the top ranking spot after Roland Garros becomes the eighth man to win a title in his next tournament after moving to the ranking summit as he beat his Polish doubles partner. .

The reigning Australian Open champion will head to the All England Club for a practice week bolstered by a massive reserve of confidence.

The title marks the 14th for the Italian, first from his nation to ever hold the No. 1 ATP ranking.

Sinner spent barely an hour and three-quarters in  constructing his victory over the seventh-ranked Hurkacz, champion here in 2022.

He added Halle to titles this season in Melbourne, Rotterdam and Miami.

“This win means a lot, it was a tough match against Hubi,” the winner said. “It was maybe a couple of important points in the tiebreaks which made the difference.

“I’m happy I was able to produce in the best possible way and win on grass for the first time – it’ a good feeling.

“I’m happy about this tournament.

Hurkacz characterised his week as “full of ups and downs, but it was still a great one.

“I’ve had some success here in the past, its’ special to be back.” 

Sinner cannot help but be optimistic heading into the July 1 start at Wimbledon where he will be the top-seeded target.

“I’m looking forward to Wimbledon. Last year i had a semi-final there  so let’s see what is coming this year.

“I’m getting more and more confident on this surface.”

Sinner is the 17th active male player to win a Tour title on all three surfaces 

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