Rotterdam Open: Jannik Sinner sets up final against Alex de Minaur with victory over Tallon Griekspoor

Jannik Sinner defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-2 6-4 in the semi-final of the Rotterdam Open on Saturday evening.

Sinner is enjoying an exceptional start to the season after winning this year’s first Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and followed that up with the Open Sud de France two weeks ago.

27-year-old Griekspoor was searching for his first title of the new season, but the Italian broke early and then moved 3-1 up.

Sinner continued his success to move 5-1 ahead and a game from taking the first set with ease, with a late success from Griekspoor meaning the Italian won it 6-2.

Griekspoor started brightly in the second set as he looked to level things up, and was 3-2 up with the match going with serve.

However the 22-year-old broke to move 5-4 clear before claiming the decisive set in just 82 minutes, meaning he is yet to suffer a defeat since his loss to Novak Djokovic in last year’s ATP finals. He has now won 14 straight matches.

“Today, in a practice session beforehand, we tried to keep the intensity quite high, trying to feel the court and get into the rhythm a little bit,” said Sinner after his win. “I knew that today I had to raise the level, which I have done, and obviously I’m glad that I can play once more here in the final in Rotterdam.”

He added: “It would mean a lot [to win the title]. It’s a special place, as I’ve said many times. The tournament believed in me years ago, and this is my second final. Last year I lost in three sets, so every final is different.

“Let’s see what’s coming. I know [De Minaur] quite well, he knows me well, and I guess he’s going to change a couple of things. So tomorrow I have to be really prepared and ready and we will see what I am capable of.”

Sinner will play Alex de Minaur in Saturday’s final, the 16th tour final of his career, after the Australian defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the tournament’s other semi-final.

In the Delray Beach Open, Taylor Paul defeated Frances Tiafoe in 6-2 6-2 in their semi-final match, with Paul sending down eight aces and converting all four of his break points.

Taylor Fritz takes on Marcos Giron later on Saturday in the tournament’s other semi-final.