Sinner Cruises Past Qualifier Mochizuki and Sets Up Struff Clash at Wimbledon

Ruthless Sinner bageled Mochizuki in tiebreak

Sinner delivered another dominant performance at Wimbledon, brushing aside Mochizuki in straight sets despite arriving with no grasscourt matches.

Sinner cruises past qualifier Mochizuki to reach fifth straight Wimbledon quarter-final...

Defending champion Jannik Sinner booked his place in a fifth straight Wimbledon quarter-final on Sunday, beating Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in straight sets.

Sinner was in control once again at Wimbledon, dispatching Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3 to advance to the last eight on Sunday.

The 24-year-old came to Wimbledon with no grasscourt matches under his belt following an early French Open exit in May. But after a shaky start, Sinner has quickly found his rhythm on the tour’s fastest surface.

“It's the first time we've played against (each other), so ‌I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I tried to ‌handle certain situations slightly better than him,” Sinner said of his unorthodox and energetic opponent.

"He's an incredible player. Coming from the qualifiers and playing such a high ‌level for such a long time. It's amazing. ⁠I wish him only the ‌best. He should be proud of himself.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion overpowered Mochizuki with relentless power and precision in the late match on Centre Court. The win keeps him right on track to defend his title and claim a second Wimbledon trophy.

Sinner breezed through the opening set in the heat as conditions got better. But he was briefly held up in the second when Mochizuki saved three break points to make it 4-4, and play was then paused for a short time while the roof was closed.

"He's tricky, especially on this surface. His game suits it very well ‌because he's very low ... but all things considered, I tried to stay a bit more aggressive,” Sinner added.

“I had some chances in the second set, but I couldn't use them. But still, I'm very happy about this performance, I'm trying to step up every day, be a little bit better.”

 

After play resumed, Sinner forced a tiebreak in the second set. The world No. 1 was ruthless, winning it 7-0 against the former Wimbledon junior champion. He then took control early in the third to tighten his grip on the match.

Backed by loud support, Mochizuki kept fighting and had three break points in the sixth game of the third set. Sinner saved them all, held firm, and went on to book a quarter-final clash with Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.

“He's a big server,” Sinner added.

“Now, the most important thing is to rest, and we'll think about that tomorrow. But I have a big respect for ⁠him. We've faced each other ⁠a few times ... one very ‌tight match. Let's see what's coming.”