It has been a celebratory start to 2024 for Jannik Sinner as he clinched his second title in the Rotterdam Open three weeks after winning his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open. While champions often slip up immediately after achieving a new peak, Jannik Sinner looks more formidable than ever throughout the Rotterdam Open week, as he only dropped one set en route to the final after besting home favourite Botic van de Zandschlup, the never-ageing Gael Monfils, former top ten Milos Raonic, and another Dutchman, Tallon Griekspoor. In the Rotterdam Open final, Jannik Sinner looked unfazed by Alex de Minaur’s marauding playstyle as he overcame the Australian 7-5, 6-4.
Jannik Sinner Outlasted Alex de Minaur’s Spirit in Rotterdam Open Final
Although the Rotterdam Open final ended in straight sets, the process was less than straightforward for Jannik Sinner as he needed to dig deep to bounce back from setbacks. For context, Jannik Sinner had a break advantage in both sets before Alex de Minaur displayed his never-die attitude to recover and force the number one seed into a long-lasting tussle.
For example, the Italian was 5-4 up in the first set and left his advantage on serve fell through after the Australian saved four set points to break with Sinner down on the floor gasping for air after a world-class rally. However, Sinner maintained his mental and recovered immediately by breaking back and closing out the first set comfortably with his second opportunity.
The second set in the Rotterdam Open final was a similar affair, as Sinner broke first before de Minaur rebounded and levelled things at 3-3 with some monstrous groundstrokes. Eventually, the Australian marauder ran out of gas, and Sinner broke for a 4-3 lead before the two exchanged holds, setting up Sinner to serve for the tournament. Not letting the opportunity slip, Sinner fended off the gritty Australian to win his second title in 2024 with the Rotterdam Open crown and extended his overall head-to-head with de Minaur to 7-0.
Thank you Rotterdam! I always enjoy my time here, a great week and amazing support. Another awesome battle @alexdeminaur 👊🏼
Forza 🦊✌️#12 pic.twitter.com/kLvdS7QdLy
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) February 18, 2024
Jannik Sinner Contempt to Improve Further After Rotterdam Open Title
After his gruesome two hours and more victory in the Rotterdam Open final, Jannik Sinner extended his praise towards his opponent and friend: “I served for the first set at 5-4, and he played an incredible game there. It’s very tough to play against him. It’s better when we are on the same side, playing doubles,” referencing to the time they spend as double partners.
As for his week spent at the Rotterdam Open, Sinner replied: “Amazing week. It has been a joy to play in Rotterdam. We did a really good job some weeks ago, and now we have done a very, very good job here. I’m really proud of the level that I played throughout this whole week. We have been in a tough situation, but we handled it in the right way.”
When questioned about how this win in Rotterdam compared to the Australian Open, Sinner responded: “Every time you win a title, it doesn’t matter how big, it means a lot. I had a little bit more attention, but when you earn something, you have to deal with that. I felt like I was trying to put 100% effort into everything I’ve done, and that’s the result of this week. It’s going to start again from zero at Indian Wells, so I’m already trying to improve, and let’s see what’s coming.”
Will Jannik Sinner’s Purple Patch Continue for the Whole Year?
With two titles under his belt already, Jannik Sinner looked like the man to beat in 2024, especially with Novak Djokovic struggling with minor injuries and the falloff of Carlos Alcaraz, with the Spaniard crashing out of the ATP Buenos Aires semifinals in straight sets to Nicolas Jarry. However, how long can he sustain his form?
For now, the newly appointed world number three will have a few weeks of rest before the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami as he hopes to add another Masters 1000 title to the first he won in Canada last year. While he may not be the top seed heading into the competition, competitors will definitely set their sights on the Italian, hoping to end his 2024 dominance as early as possible.
To catch the latest build-up of more sporting news, especially football-related, follow AsiaSport for daily coverage and high-definition highlights of your favourite team or Jannik Sinner’s preferred squad, AC Milan, in action throughout the year.
UNSTOPPABLE.
Jannik Sinner beats Alex De Minaur 7-5, 6-4 to win the Rotterdam title.
12th career title
15 consecutive wins
15 consecutive ATP 500 wins
12-0 in 2024New world #3 tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/GZwMTeBrtm
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 18, 2024
