By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Jannik Sinner slammed 15 aces and did not surrender serve rallying past Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2 in his Halle opener.
Photo credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson
Transitioning from clay to grass came with a new challenge for Jannik Sinner today.
Playing his first match as new world No. 1, Sinner was tested for a set-and-a-half then tuned up his strokes and delivered booming response.
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The top-seeded Sinner slammed 15 aces and did not surrender serve rallying past Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2 in his Halle opener.
The first Italian man to hold the world No. 1 ranking raised his 2024 record to 34-3. Sinner scored his 33rd consecutive victory against opponents ranked outside the Top 20.
The Australian Open champion took some time adjusting to the turf in his first match since bowing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros semifinals earlier this month.
Sinner squandered a 5-1 tiebreaker lead and failed to convert a couple of set points at 6-4, and 6-5.
World No. 27 Griekspoor did not wilt as he converted his third set point to take the tiebreaker.
Carrying an 0-11 career record vs. Top 5 players onto court, Griekspoor Stood up to Sinner’s firepower earning triple break point at 2-all in the second set.
A gritty Sinner dug in denying all three break points in a determined hold that helped him turn the match around. Sinner held then immediately broke for 4-2.
The Miami Open champion cruised through eight of his last nine service points to take the second set and force a decider.
Turning his shoulders into his shots, Sinner broke in the third game of the third set and burst through a strong hold for 3-1. Sinner lifted a lob then helped him hold for 4-2.
Slashing strikes down the line, Sinner broke again for 5-2 and closed a two hour, 22-minute win whipping his 15th ace.
Next up for Sinner is world No. 45 Fabian Marozsan a 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victor over Roman Safiullin.