Jannik Sinner defends Sofia Open title in a spectacular run
Follow Us
Jannik Sinner
The top seed at the Bulgarian tournament, Jannik Sinner overcame Gael Monfils in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4, to clinch his second consecutive title at the Sofia Open. Defending his title, which was his maiden tour level trophy, won last November, Sinner stated that, “It is never easy playing against Gael, we’ve had many tough matches. I think in the crucial moments I was a bit luckier than him, which helped me a lot.”
The Italian youngster has had a dream season so far. This title is his third tour level title this year, after the Great Ocean Road Open and the Citi Open, the latter of which made him the youngest player to win an ATP 500 event since the inauguration of the category in 2009.
The champion is now 9-0 at the Sofia Open. Hitting with a consistent depth and power, Sinner managed to keep Monfils pinned to the baseline as he secured an easy victory in the span of a mere 79 minutes. This victory brings their head to head record to 3-1 in favour of the Italian.
Following the match, Sinner stated that, “The level was high today, we had long, long rallies and it was physical as well,” in his on-court interview. He added, “I am happy to be the winner here in Sofia again. I think it is a very nice tournament. It was the best match [I have played this week] because I had to.“
With this victory, Jannik Sinner will rise to the 10th rank in the ATP Race to Turin, when the rankings release on Monday, boosting his bid to qualify for the season finale which will be played on his home soil.
Sinner becomes the first player to claim the title twice at the Sofia Open
An early break and impeccable range from the baseline created a lead that the Frenchman never managed to recover from. Gael Monfils put up an incredible fight that included several long rallies and winners, but it was Sinner that emerged victorious. The Italian had a spectacular 93 per cent (13/14) first serve points won, as he raced to a 3-0 lead. From there, it was a match of attrition, as the 20 year-old continued to dictate both the sets with a flat backhand and a heavy forehand. It was only a matter of 79 minutes, before he sealed the match with a misfired forehand from Monfils.
Gael Monfils had only played two matches enroute to the finals in the Sofia Open. The French 35 year-old has now made a tour final for 17 consecutive seasons, with his last appearance at Rotterdam in 2020, where he triumphed. Despite a flat season, littered with First and Second Round losses, Monfils has put up fantastic performances, including the US Open 5-setter, also against Sinner, where too the Italian emerged victorious.
Sinner has displayed a strong serve the entire tournament, and will be looking to reach the ATP finals, to be held at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, from 14-21 November.
Also Read: “Hey from the desert” Emma Raducanu has her first practice session at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Stay Updated!
Roopsha Deb
(21 Articles Published)