(Tennis news) Sinner won in straight sets against Matteo Berrettini, and then he received a walkover from Andy Murray to advance to the quarterfinals. Between him and a place in the semifinals was Gael Monfils.
Throughout most of the first set, no player came close to reaching a break point. Sinner eventually had a chance at 5-4 and seized it to win the first game. As he trailed 3-1 in the second set, Monfils had one foot out the door but won five of the next six games to take the set.
Sinner won the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 after securing an early break of service to take the lead in the third set and maintaining that lead the entire time.
To get to a quarterfinal matchup with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Paul defeated Diego Schwartzman, Francisco Cerundolo, and Marcos Giron. The first game of the match demonstrated that the American was serious about the competition as he secured a break.
However, Paul broke Alcaraz’s serve in the following game to win the set after failing to finish the first set at 5-2. With a victory in the second set, the Spaniard evened the score.
At the beginning of the third set, the two players were evenly matched, then Paul went on a three-game run to take a 5-2 lead. As a result, he won the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, eliminating Alcaraz from the competition for the second time in a row.
Head-to-Head
The two have a 1-1 head-to-head draw after splitting their last two encounters evenly. At the 2022 Eastbourne International, Paul won their previous meeting in three sets.
Predictions
By defeating Alcaraz, Paul achieved one of his career’s biggest victories. The American played at a high level, frequently rushing his rival by assuming possession of the ball first. When Monfils lifted his game, Sinner was well on his way to a straightforward victory, but the young Italian prevailed in three sets.
Although this will be Paul and Sinner’s first meeting on hardcourts, their prior meetings have both gone the full distance. Both players are skilled ball hitters, but the Italian has a tiny advantage in serving, which might help him win the game.
Paul aims to make his first Masters 1000 level appearance. It will be much simpler for Sinner if he falters under pressure. But if the American rises to the challenge, this might be another tight conflict. The Italian may have an advantage due to his prior stage experience, which could help him advance to the final.
Jannik Sinner to win in 3 sets (2-1)
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