World number one Jannik Sinner defeated Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3 on Monday to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive year.
The defending champion overcame a spirited challenge from the 22-year-old, particularly in the second set, before sealing victory in straight sets to continue his title defence.
Sinner broke early to claim the opening set but was made to work much harder in the second as Mochizuki held firm despite coming under sustained pressure. The Italian failed to convert several break-point opportunities before dominating the tiebreak 7-0 to move within a set of victory.
With the roof closed for the latter stages of the match, Sinner adopted a more aggressive approach in the third set as Mochizuki’s resistance faded.
“It was the first time we played against each other. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I tried to handle certain situations slightly better than him, which I’ve done,” Sinner said.
“He’s an incredible player. Coming from qualifying and playing at such a high level for such a long time, it’s amazing. I wish him only the best. He should be proud of himself.”
Sinner said Mochizuki’s game posed a unique challenge on grass.
“It was very tricky to play him, especially on this surface. His game suits it very, very well because he’s very low, but I tried to stay a bit more aggressive. I had some chances in the second set and couldn’t use them, but I’m very happy with today’s performance and I’m trying to improve every day.”
The 23-year-old became only the 11th man in the Open Era to reach five consecutive Wimbledon quarter-finals and the second active player after seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to achieve the feat.
(Reuters)
