Sinner is Scorching the Tennis Circuit…
Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1, is burning the tennis circuit like a Formula 1 driver, taking full advantage of the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who has taken a prolonged pit stop due to a wrist injury.
… Wins Italian Open, beating Casper Ruud
Sinner dumped Casper Ruud, the so-called clay specialist ( slightly overestimated) 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the Italian Open, on the red clay of Rome, completing his perfect preparation for the French Open, starting from the 24th of May at the Roland Garros in Paris. In doing so, Sinner became the first Italian to win the tournament in 50 years.
The Golden Masters in the Bag
Sinner has been exceptional post the Australian Open and at the moment is on a 34-match unbeaten streak in Masters Competitions ( eclipsing the record held by Novak Djokovic of 32 matches). The Italian Open was his 6th consecutive Masters 1000 Tournament victory, thus completing the ‘ Golden Masters ‘.
Health Issues Overshadow Sinner’s Exploits
The victory, however, was overshadowed by the intriguing health issues of Jannik Sinner, which had resurfaced in his semi-final battle against Daniil Medvedev. The Russian played much better and took a set from Sinner, who started throwing up and appeared dehydrated and exhausted. The rain, which forced the match to be suspended for the day, came as a great reprieve for Sinner, who came back to close out the match on Saturday.
Ruud Played Better…
Casper Ruud held his own against Sinner and started the match by breaking the Italian and took a 2-0 lead. But Sinner broke back and eventually won the first set 6-4. The second set too was won by an identical margin.
… But Sinner was a Notch Higher
Sinner initially had issues with his first serve, but improved as the match progressed. He got 64% of his first serves in, and won 83% of the points on his first serve. For Casper Ruud, the stats were 58% and 65% respectively, which proved Ruud’s undoing.
Solid Baseline Game and Great Serving Was Too Much for Ruud
Sinner’s solid baseline game, with a wristy whipping forehand, was difficult to negotiate for Ruud and with Sinner serving much better, the result of the match was a logical conclusion.
The French Open Beckons A Virtually Invincible Sinner
The French Open is what Sinner would be focusing on, being the overwhelming favourite to win this year, erasing the painful memories of the loss to Alcaraz last year in a gruelling 5-setter, which was termed the best final ever played at Roland Garros.
Sinner is on a roll, and if his health stands by him, the Italian will be virtually impossible to beat.
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