Wimbledon: Jannik Sinner Routs Jan-Lennard Struff, Sets Up Semi-final Clash With Novak Djokovic

 

Jannik Sinner has set up a blockbuster semi-final against Novak Djokovic for the second season in a row after his hard-fought victory against Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets, 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-3. 

The Italian player had just completed a Golden Masters streak after having an incredible unbeaten run through the Clay-Court season. As the defending champion, he is contending for his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon without the prospect of meeting his rival from the last edition, Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard withdrew from the tournament over a wrist injury. 

Struff fought relentlessly to an upset of Jannik, battling him through a lengthy three sets. However, fatigue set in in the third set, and Jannik claimed his third break point before eliminating Germany on his serve. Nonetheless, Jannik had to dig deeper as Struff kept his shot deep into the court, forcing Jannik to the back foot. 

"The second set could have ended in a different way. Tie-breaks are always 50/50. If you're one set or two sets up, it's a big (difference)," said Jannik. "So in the third set, I was a little bit more relaxed, for sure."

The opening set was heading for a tie-break before Jannik broke for the first time at 6-5 to win the set. The third was another tough set for Jannik. Struff saved a break point before the defending champion broke at 4-3 and dug himself out of trouble and claimed the match points as Struff hit his serve wide. 

Jannik will meet Djokovic in the semi-final. The former champion, Djokovic, battled through an exhausting five-setter, 7-6(10), 3-6,6-3,6-7(4),7-6(4).