Jannik Sinner flies into semifinals and glimpses world No. 1

Jannik Sinner’s winning streak continues as he imposes a 6-3 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to qualify for the Monte Carlo semifinals and take another step toward returning to No. 1 in the world rankings. The first set opened with the Canadian winning the draw and choosing to respond, dropping serve to Jannik Sinner. The start is marked by several free errors on both sides. The first game is stretched to the advantages, where Sinner manages to break through after a very intense 25-shot exchange, taking the lead 1-0.

In the second game, the Italian immediately builds up two break points, but Auger-Aliassime reacts with quality: he cancels the first with a precise volley and the second by holding a very hard-fought exchange, then manages to hold serve for 1-1. Sinner returns serve and handles it more solidly, closing the game at 15 thanks also to a backhand volley that gives him the 2-1 lead. The Canadian responds by keeping his serve, although after quickly going up 40-0 he makes a comeback up to 40-30 before closing the game at 2-2.

In the fifth game Sinner raises his level and introduces with more continuity the short ball, which allows him to command the exchange and hold serve without difficulty for 3-2. In the sixth game comes the break: Sinner wins two consecutive points with the drop forehand shot and gets a break point. Auger-Aliassime commits a double fault and gives up serve, allowing the Italian to stretch to 4-2. The 5-2 break practically comes of its own accord, with the Canadian unable to do anything. And then comes another break, for the 6-3 with which the first fraction goes into the archives.

In the second set there is great balance until 3-3, when Sinner places the decisive break effectively sending his opponent to the mat, who also continues to struggle but on 5-4 fails to deserve at least the tie-break. The South Tyrolean does not let slip the opportunity to close on his own service turn and saving precious energy flies to the semifinals where he will face Zverev on Saturday.