Jannik Sinner secures 'very tough' win over Holger Rune in Monte Carlo to set up semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas
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Updated 12/04/2024 at 14:31 GMT
Jannik Sinner battled past Holger Rune in their quarter-final Monte Carlo Masters match-up to set up a last-four clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek secured his progression after a straight-sets, 6-4 6-2 victory over Karen Khachanov. Khachanov needed the physio in the second set, and Tsitsipas seized upon an increasing number of errors from his opponent to get through.
Highlights: Sinner storms past Korda to continue hot streak in Monte Carlo
Jannik Sinner battled past Holger Rune in the quarter-finals of the Monte-Carlo Masters, and will play Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last four.
The 22-year-old Italian won 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 on Friday afternoon in Monaco as he looks to prepare for the upcoming French Open.
Sinner was not at his ruthless best, though, and squandered two match points in the second set before coming through in the third and decisive set.
The match took two hours, 41 minutes, and he will play Tsitsipas on Saturday for a place in Sunday’s final.
Speaking after the win, Sinner said of his upcoming match: "Tomorrow is going to be a tough one for sure. Against Stefanos, who is playing well. Let’s see what I can do tomorrow.”
He added: "I just focus on my side… It’s all part of the learning process.
"Even if I [had lost] today, I learn again, so I’m very happy about today. It has been a very tough match. I’m very happy about the win."
Tsitsipas continued his winning run in Monte Carlo with a 6-4 6-2 quarter-final victory over Karen Khachanov.
The Greek world No. 12 is hoping to crack the top 10 once more, and he is now in the semi-finals in Monaco as he looks to add more points for his ATP ranking.
Tsitsipas needed 83 minutes for his straight-sets victory against the big-hitting Russian.
He has both the 2021 and 2022 titles to his name, but the 25-year-old suffered a drop-off in form over recent months.
“I would lie if I said it doesn’t bring good memories stepping out on this court,” Tsitsipas said after the win.
“It’s something that I attribute some of my performances here over time to.
“I come back here, and I sort of relive those memories of the past. It gives good feelings to me when I’m able to play in front of crowds like this and be able to try and strive for excellence with my game.”
Tsitsipas started well with a confidence-boosting break in the very first game, and while he was immediately broken back, he continued to use his serve to keep his opponent on the back foot.
When receiving serve he was more effective than Khachanov - who needed the physio at 2-2 in the second - and who started to make more errors.
Tsitsipas added: “My returns were effective. I was generating a lot of pace and gained good momentum at some point.
“He seemed good and well composed in his tennis. He wasn’t giving away too many unforced errors and seemed pretty calm from behind the baseline.
"I tried to do my part, which was to press as much as I could and not rush myself into the rallies.
“I was trying to predict and read certain things on the court and it worked out pretty well. I took my time once again to understand what works and what doesn’t and today I was persistent in my efforts to walk away with something good.”
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