Sinner highlights struggles enroute to Cincinnati’s semi-final

Jannik Sinner has blamed harsh weather conditions as storming block in his quarter finals encounter at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday.

The top ranked Italian who turned 23 few days ago, got his revenge over russian Andrey Rublev who defeated the World No.1 in three sets in the quarter-finals in Montreal last week.

Jannik Sinner overcame brutally windy conditions to defeat Andrey Rublev 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in Ohio.

While speaking with the media after the encounter, Sinner, who is now 46-5 this season, blamed the weather for his difficulties during the game in on court interview following the encounter.

“It took a lot of mental strength today,” said Sinner, who committed 44 unforced errors, largely due to the wind. “It was very tough conditions, very windy. In the first set he started very well and I didn’t play my best tennis but in the second set, I felt I had a lot of chances. I waited for my chance. I am very happy to make the semis.”

Sinner who is chasing his third ATP Masters 1000 title and first trophy since winning the ATP 500 in Halle on grass in June whilst reaching his ninth Masters 1000 semi-final and first in Cincinnati, will next face Alexander Zverev.

The German entered into the semis after fighting past former American No.1 Ben Shelton 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.

Elsewhere, Holger Rune took out Jack Draper in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 to reach the last four.

In defeating, Holger Rune is now the youngest Scandinavian to reach the Men’s Singles SF at the Cincinnati Open since Stefan Edberg (1986), and youngest to reach multiple ATP Masters 1000 SFs on hard and clay court since 1990. He next face home favourite Frances Tiafoe who also went through to the semi finals as Hubert Hurkacz is forced to retire due to injury.