After a grueling first-round encounter that extended to five sets, Jannik Sinner has returned to a focus on efficiency. His latest victory, a 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 triumph over Jan-Lennard Struff, marks the defending champion’s fourth consecutive win in straight sets, allowing him to conserve energy and navigate the heat effectively, a stark contrast to his physical struggles at Roland Garros just over five weeks ago.
“We worked a lot after Paris trying to understand what went wrong.” Sinner chuckled when questioned about his concerns regarding the high temperatures at Wimbledon. “It felt like I was serving quite intelligently today,” He is set to face either Novak Djokovic or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals.
While Sinner has not disclosed whether his team has identified any solutions to his past issues, he seemed relieved to finish the match in just over two and a half hours. His efficiency was evident; despite having to save a set point in the second set, he kept the rallies short, aided by Struff’s aggressive style characterized by powerful serves and strong hits.
Nearly 80% of points concluded within four shots or fewer, with Sinner leading that category 91-72, achieving a success rate of 56%. The competition was tighter in the 5-8 shot range, ending 17-18, while Sinner edged out 6-5 in points lasting nine shots or more. Dominating the 0-4 shots category is essential for success on grass surfaces.
Struff, who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in a Grand Slam after winning three five-set matches, started strong, serving effectively in the initial stages. Up to 5-5 in the first set, he had dropped only four points on his serve. However, great players often capitalize on any opportunities presented to them; Sinner seized his chance by breaking Struff’s serve in the 11th game, ultimately taking the first set.
In the second set, Sinner broke for 2-1 but faced a minor setback when he was broken back immediately after. Although he struggled with fluency at times, he delivered a crucial serve to save a set point at 4-5. He then tightened his game in the tie-break, winning it 7-4 to double his advantage.
Sinner had a chance to break at 2-1 and 0-30 on Struff’s serve at 3-2 but waited until 4-3 to capitalize, delivering a powerful forehand winner. There was little doubt he would successfully serve out the match.
“Also, how I handled important moments in that match because if you lose the second set, everything can happen again. Especially with big servers, you have less control. “I felt like today was again a small step better because it was a very different opponent I faced until now. Big server here on grass is always tough. Happy about today’s performance, and now of course I try to be as ready as I can for the semis.” Sinner remarked. “It was warm, but nothing crazy. “In Australia, I feel like it’s tougher because … with hard court it comes also from underneath. It was quite dry today, which is a big difference. When it’s humid and warm, it’s different again. But no, I felt quite comfortable today. It was warm, yes. It was similar I feel like to Paris maybe. But it was OK.”
“Who would’ve thought it would’ve taken me only 12 years to get here? I’m incredibly happy and relieved to achieve that but, of course, I want to play three more matches here.”
Concerns about heat and cramping have followed the world No. 1, particularly with the lack of shade on No. 1 Court until late in the third set, raising fears of a repeat of past struggles. However, Sinner felt comfortable during his match against Struff. “It felt OK,” he stated. “It was warm, but nothing crazy.”
“In Australia, I feel like it’s tougher because … with hard court it comes also from underneath. It was quite dry today, which is a big difference. When it’s humid and warm, it’s different again. But no, I felt quite comfortable today. It was warm, yes. It was similar I feel like to Paris maybe. But it was OK.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev navigated a complicated path to reach his first Wimbledon quarter-final, achieving a 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6) victory over Jiri Lehecka. The match had been halted at 3-3 in the third set on Monday night due to the 11 pm curfew, and Zverev struggled initially upon resumption, winning only one point in three games. However, he triumphed in a decisive fourth-set tie-break to secure his place in the last eight.
The French Open champion expressed his joy, stating, “Who would’ve thought it would’ve taken me only 12 years to get here? I’m incredibly happy and relieved to achieve that but, of course, I want to play three more matches here.”
