French Open: Jannik Sinner to become new world No 1 after quarter-final win over Grigor Dimitrov

Jannik Sinner stepped up his bid for a second Grand Slam title by securing a a 6-2 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory over Grigor Dimitrov to reach the French Open semi-finals.

Although he didn’t know it at the time, the 22-year-old will also become the new world No 1 next week, regardless of who wins the French Open, after defending champion Novak Djokovic pulled out with a knee injury before his quarter-final match.

Sinner quickly earned a double break over 10th seed Dimitrov, hardly breaking sweat when taking the opening set.

Things started to become a bit trickier thereafter, the Italian struggling with a back twinge during the second set that hampered his progress.

Despite the issue, Sinner still claimed the second 6-4 and edged out Dimitrov in a third-set tie-break despite blowing the chance to clinch victory sooner when broken by the Bulgarian as he served for the match.

Sinner said after his win: “First Italian ever to be world No 1? First of all, it’s everyone’s dream.

“I wish Novak a speedy recovery. I’m happy to be in the semi-finals. I’m going to enjoy it and play the best Tennis that I can.

“It’s a special moment but it’s great for me to share it with the fans. Let’s see on Friday what I can do.”

A trickier test could await the Australian Open champion next, as he faces a potential clash against two-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz, who meets Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tuesday’s evening session at Roland Garros.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours.” data-clip-type=”” data-component-name=”sdc-site-video” data-competition=”” data-copy-url-text=”URL copied to clipboard” data-fn=”sdc-site-video” data-id=”id_4f5e3d3f-12e2-467f-bae5-50c4942beb75″ data-is-live-stream=”false” data-lite=”true” data-options=”” data-originator-id=”49″ data-originator-handle=”brightcove-sport-gb” data-package-name=”” data-provider=”brightcove” data-player-id=”DESF5xFjJ” data-playsinline=”” data-sensitive=”false” data-sdc-id=”6452242″ data-sdc-video-id=”4f5e3d3f-12e2-467f-bae5-50c4942beb75″ data-sport-category=”” data-state=”loading” data-token-state=”none” data-video-ad-unit=”videoplayer” data-video-blacklisted-originator-ids=”” data-video-id=”ref:4f5e3d3f-12e2-467f-bae5-50c4942beb75″ data-video-type=”” data-auto-pause-on-not-visible=”” tabindex=”-1″ data-closed-captions-position=”” data-show-closed-captions=”true” data-show-pip=”” data-show-live-stream-scrubber=””>

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Find out all the ways to watch Tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours.

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest Tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Stuttgart Open (ATP 250 with Andy Murray in action) – June 10-16
Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Source link