World number one Jannik Sinner advanced to the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open on Friday, benefiting from an injury retirement by Milos Raonic. Sinner took the opening set in a tiebreaker 7-6(4) and was leading 1-0 in the second set when Raonic decided he could not continue.
While Sinner was happy to move through to the semis, he admitted his level of play has not been at his usual high standard in Rotterdam. The Italian will look to raise his game in the next round against home favorite Tallon Griekspoor, attracting attention from premier online betting sites.
Jannik Sinner Pushed Hard by Raonic
Sinner struggled to find his rhythm against Raonic, who used his big serve and forehand to pressure the Australian Open champion. Raonic earned set points at 5-4 in the first set, but Sinner battled back with some clutch play, saving both opportunities.
In the ensuing tiebreaker, Sinner stepped up his level at the right time to take it 7-4. An early break in the second set then put him in control before Raonic’s retirement.
“I was struggling a little bit to find myself on the court and also today I feel like he was playing better than me in the first set,” Sinner admitted. “At the end of the day this is not how you want to win the match.”
Raonic has long battled injuries throughout his career, missing significant time on tour. Jannik Sinner wished him a speedy recovery as he moved into the semifinals in Rotterdam Open.
Battle Against Griekspoor Awaits
Sinner’s opponent in the semifinals will be the 26-year-old Griekspoor, who is currently ranked #61 in the world. Griekspoor defeated Emil Ruusuvuori 7-5, 7-6(4) to make his first ATP 500 semifinal.
As the home favorite, Griekspoor will have plenty of fan support behind him. But Sinner’s big-match experience and world number one ranking make him a strong favorite.
Sinner has now won 23 of his last 24 matches, a sensational run stretching back to October of 2022. A tournament victory would see him rise to a career-high ranking of number three.
De Minaur Edges Rublev in Thriller
The other singles semifinal in Rotterdam will feature Alex de Minaur against Grigor Dimitrov. De Minaur battled for over two and a half hours to defeat second-seeded Andrey Rublev 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3.
The Australian saved two set points in the opening set tiebreaker before pulling it out. He then recovered after dropping the second set to break Rublev twice in the deciding set for the impressive victory.
“I kept telling myself to be brave and go after it, because ultimately I can’t just run around against Andrey,” said De Minaur afterwards. “He’s got too much power, too many weapons.”
De Minaur explained that bringing an aggressive mindset was key to countering Rublev’s lethal groundstrokes. The approach paid dividends in securing his semifinal spot.
Dimitrov Advances With Straight Set Win
Grigor Dimitrov backed up his quarterfinal run at the Australian Open by making the final four in Rotterdam as well. The Bulgarian took out Alexander Shevchenko 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4 to set up his semifinal date with De Minaur.
The one-handed backhand artist recorded his tour-leading 13th match victory of 2023 in the process. Dimitrov also defeated De Minaur at this same stage last year, rallying from two match points down for the comeback win.
With both players in good form, their semifinal clash has all the makings of another classic. Dimitrov will look to use his versatile game and high tennis IQ to manipulate the court. Meanwhile, De Minaur’s speed and relentlessness from the baseline could pose problems.
Entertaining Semis in Store
After an eventful quarterfinal round, the last four is set in Rotterdam. Sinner remains on a collision course for the title, but faces the tricky task of defeating the home favorite Griekspoor. De Minaur and Dimitrov will also vie in what should be an entertaining contrast of styles.
With an ATP 500 crown on the line, the stakes will be high for all semifinalists, making it a pivotal moment for ATP betting picks. It sets up an exciting final weekend of action at the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament.
