Tommy Paul did his absolute best to upset Jannik Sinner last night, but in the end, the latter’s quality shone through.
However, his win was not without struggle, and just as he had raced into a dominant one-set lead over Casper Ruud earlier in the week, it was the world number 12 who did the same to him.
Unfortunately, the American did not have enough to maintain such a high level, and as such Jannik Sinner strolled into the final.
Tim Henman, analysing the clash in the post-match coverage, was left somewhat confused by the nature of this collapse.
Tim Henman questions Tommy Paul’s tactics vs Jannik Sinner
Speaking live on Sky Sports Tennis after the Italian’s remarkable comeback, Henman admitted that Tommy Paul’s performance deserved praise.
However, having stormed into a 5-0 lead, and eventually claiming the first set 6-1, it did seem strange that the 28-year-old then won just three of the following nine games to lose the match.
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This pundit’s theory actually related not to the tactical instruction he was given, but to the player’s ability to follow it: ‘I wonder because he was so successful in the first set, winning it 6-1, he really did not come forward much at all. He stayed back in the rallies and was patient and if anything waited for unforced errors from Sinner.
‘If anything Tommy and his coach Brad Stine, who I talked to before the match, were talking about serving and volleying and moving forward and finishing the point at the net and using the slice backhand. But when you get on to the stats of the match he only came to the net five times. I find that very surprising. His tactics, did they work? He won a set 6-1 but was that to do with his great play or Sinner’s poor play?’
Jannik Sinner sets up Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz
Although many were hoping that Paul could upset the rampaging Sinner, the latter’s win has now set up the grand Italian Open final clash that many were hoping for.
The world number one will take on the world number two in the final of a Masters 1000 tournament.
This is the biggest match that Alcaraz and Sinner will likely have played yet, given the size of the title that is on the line, and many are struggling to split them.
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After all, whilst the Spaniard has enjoyed a strong clay-court season, the form Sinner has exhibited in this tournament alone is enough to frighten anyone on tour. Such is his quality, he even seems unaffected by the ongoing and growing complaints about the Italian Open conditions.
Having now delivered a bagel to both Paul and Casper Ruud, he’s on the rampage.
It’ll be really interesting to see if Alcaraz has that next-level quality to halt his momentum ahead of the French Open.