Sinner wins Halle title in first tournament as World No. 1

It was far from an easy week, but Jannik Sinner won his first tournament as the World No. 1 in Halle.

The Italian star lost a set in each of his first three matches, but battled through on each occasion and ultimately defeated Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8), 7-6(2) on Sunday to lift the ATP 500 trophy.

”It means a lot. It was a tough match against Hubi,” Sinner said. “I knew I had to serve really well and you play only a couple of really important points throughout the whole set. So I was happy and I tried to produce in the best possible way in the important moments. I’m very happy about this tournament because [winning for] the first time on grass court, it’s a good feeling.”

By winning his first grass-court title, Sinner became the eighth player in PIF ATP Rankings history (since 1973) to claim a trophy in his first tournament as World No. 1.

SINNER WINNER 🏆 @janniksin is victorious in Halle after a 7-6(8) 7-6(2) win over Hurkacz.@ATPHalle | #TerraWortmannOpen pic.twitter.com/hBQEa1n7Rm

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 23, 2024

Players to win title in first event as World No. 1

The doubles partners — Sinner and Hurkacz reached the second round in Halle — walked on court Sunday tied at 2-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. In their first grass-court clash, there was very little between the two players. But Sinner was better in the critical moments to triumph after one hour and 50 minutes.

”In the important moments, he served a couple of second serves in the tie-break, which then could make the difference,” Sinner said. “I guess that was the key today.”

There were no service breaks in the match. However, Sinner won 85 per cent of his service points compared to 69 per cent for Hurkacz, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

In the first-set tie-break, Sinner earned a mini-break when Hurkacz missed a short forehand wide and the top seed appeared in control. But after letting slip his first set point at 6/5, Hurkacz had a chance to win the opener at 7/6. Sinner put pressure on his opponent by moving forward, and Hurkacz missed a tough forehand passing shot from well behind the baseline.

[ATP APP]

After missing another opportunity, Sinner claimed his third set point with baseline depth, forcing Hurkacz to miss a backhand into the net.

Although there were no service breaks, there was plenty of entertainment. In the second set, Hurkacz hit one of the shots of the week when Sinner lobbed him, and the Pole hit an over-the-shoulder forehand flick passing shot for a winner. Sinner immediately clapped his racquet in recognition of the incredible effort and the crowd roared its approval.

Sinner even tried to hit the same shot later in the set. Despite missing it in the net, the Italian shared a good laugh with his team.

In the second-set tie-break, the 22-year-old again took the early lead. This time, he did not relinquish his advantage, and he claimed his fourth title of the season when Hurkacz missed a final backhand slice long.

Now Sinner will turn his attention to Wimbledon, where he will try to claim his second major title of the season (he won the Australian Open).

”I’m just looking forward to it. Last year I made [the]semis, I played some good tennis. So let’s see what’s coming this year,” Sinner said. “I’m more confident for sure. And on this surface, obviously the grass it might be a bit different from here and Wimbledon. But I have one week now to prepare it so hopefully it’s going to be a good tournament.”

Did You Know?
Sinner became the 17th active male player to win a tour-level title on grass, hard and clay. He has claimed 12 of his 14 tour-level trophies on hard courts.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]