Jannick Sinner won his first title on grass in Halle when he collected the Terra Wortman Open title in preparation for Wimbledon which starts in seven days.
I’m very happy about this tournament because [winning for] the first time on grass court, it’s a good feeling. Jannik Sinner
The Italian top player in the world, defeated Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8) 7-6(2), claiming the title from the 2022 champion in one-hour and 50-minutes,
In what was the pairs’ fifth meeting, Sinner hit top form for the final having struggled through three three-setters to reach the title round and edge ahead 3-2 in their private clashes.
There was nothing to split the doubles partnership – Sinner and Hurkacz reached the second round in the men’s doubles at Halle – when it came to service breaks, with both sets going the distance and being settled by tense tiebreaks.
It took Sinner three attempts to close out the first set and a similar pattern was followed in the second though this time, Sinner seized the initiative early, and did not take his foot off the gas, earning his 14th career title when Hurkacz sliced a final backhand long.
“I knew I had to serve really well, and you play only a couple of really important points throughout the whole set,” Sinner said afterwards.
“So I was happy, and I tried to produce in the best possible way in the important moments. I’m very happy about this tournament because [winning for] the first time on grass court, it’s a good feeling.”
”In the important moments, he served a couple of second serves in the tie-break, which then could make the difference. I guess that was the key today.”
“We are very good friends off-court and it’s nice to share the court with you,” Sinner said of his opponent.
Good friends Jannik Sinner (R) and Hubert Hurkacz show off their respective silverware
(Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
“We played doubles together at the beginning of the week, so to see us in the final together here, it’s very special. We worked very hard for this result, and we never take things for granted. We’ll keep pushing.
“My girlfriend Anna played in Berlin today. She lost after five match points. I’m very sorry for her, but she had an amazing week.”
“Congrats to Jannik,” Hurkacz said.
“You guys are doing an amazing job. It’s really inspiring what you’ve been doing in the last 12 months with Jannik becoming world No.1. It’s really special and I try to learn from that. Big congrats to you guys. It’s a pleasure to be here.
“I’ve had some success here in the past. 2022 was a really great year for me. It’s really special to be back and to see so many of you guys out here enjoying tennis, it means a lot to us.”
