It was always going to be a tough match-up with Tsitsipas a two-time former champion (2021 and 2022) and Sinner having a stellar 2024. 

This was the eighth time the two faced each other, with Tsitsipas coming out on top with 5 wins over Sinner’s three.  Sinner, however, has been in superb form so far this year, winning the Australian, Rotterdam and Miami Open and only losing against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the Indian Wells last month.

Before the match, world no 12 Tsitsipas had not dropped a set in the event and that streak continued in the first set with the Greek taking it 6-4.  The no 2 seed came out roaring in the second set and with a 3-0 lead, it was business as usual for Sinner to finish the second set 6-3 in his favour.

In the decider it looked like the writing was on the wall when Sinner raced to a 4-3 lead, but an injury to his right leg forced him to take a medical timeout.  The Italian bravely battled on, but there was no stopping Tsitsipas, who with a clinical performance won three games in a row to clinch the match 6-4 in the final set.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger