Jannik Sinner rallied past Tallon Griekspoor 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-2 for a maiden win as a number 1 player in his first grass-court match of the season at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle. Sinner, the first Italian player to hold the number 1 spot in the ATP Ranking, has improved his 2024 record to 34 wins to 3 defeats.
Sinner squandered a 5-1 lead in the tie-break and did not convert two set points at 6-4 and 6-5.
Griekspoor converted his third set point to win a hard-fought tie-break 10-8. The Dutch player earned three break points at 2-2 in the second set. Sinner saved all three break points to hold serve and this helped him to turn around the match. Sinner broke serve in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead with a diving forehand passing shot and won eight of the last nine service points to win the second set 6-3 forcing the match to the decider.
Sinner broke in the third game of the third set and held serve at love for 3-1. The 2024 Australian player held serve with a lob for 4-2.
Sinner earned his second break in the seventh game at love and closed out the win on his first match point with his 15th ace after 2 hours and 22 minutes.
“It was for sure mentally tough. It was 5-1 up in the tie-break of the first set. This can happen especially on this surface. It can go very fast. I was good mentally. I was struggling in the second set, 0-40 down on my serve. If he makes that point, it is even more difficult. It is all about trying to get the confidence back, especially on this surface and I have shown that. Hopefully I can show some good tennis in the next round”, said Sinner.
