Jannik Sinner is out of the men's singles of the Canadian Open in Montreal after losing in three sets to Andrey Rublev. However, the Italian's fans will be even more concerned about the physical struggles the 22-year-old had in the third set.
Sinner is defending the title he won last year in Toronto. (the tournament alternates between Toronto and Montreal each year) His triumph in the 2023 final against Alex de Minaur sealed his first title at ATP-1000 level.
It is also the Australian Open champion's first tournament since Wimbledon. He missed the Paris Olympics due to becoming ill with tonsillitis while preparing for the games that were held at Roland-Garros.
Despite having a legitimate reason for withdrawing, some criticized the Italian for not playing at the Olympics. Sinner rightly defended himself against those attacks that were entirely unfair and unwarranted.
Sinner began his title defense with two straight-set victories. He overcame Borna Coric in the opening round before continuing his title defense against Alejandro Tabilo in the following round.
Rublev also entered the contest after two comfortable wins against Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Brandon Nakashima. The stage was set for a great match between two powerful hitters.
The start of the match was delayed by the rain that has plagued the event in Montreal. When play eventually got underway, Rublev took control of the first set.
After three comfortable holds of serve, Rublev broke in the fourth game. The 10-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist hit some excellent shots in the game, but an unforced error from Sinner sealed the break.
Rublev almost broke again in the Italian's next service game. Sinner managed to hold after saving a break point. However, it did not matter in the end. The Madrid Open champion closed the set 6-3 by holding his serve.
Another rain delay then interrupted the match. It was only a brief stoppage, but Sinner emerged as a completely different player from the first set after the delay.
After the pair traded holds of serve, Sinner utterly dominated the rest of the set. He reeled off five consecutive games with some outstanding returns against his opponent's formidable serve.
Rublev had no answer to his opponent's improved level and lost the set 1-6. At that stage, Sinner looked to be a heavy favorite to progress to the semifinal.
The opening game of the deciding set was epic. Rublev saved three break points to stop the Australian Open champion's momentum. Unfortunately, that game is when the 22-year-old's physical issues began.
Sinner bent down and clutched his left ankle for an extended period after one of the points. He then moved slightly higher and held just above his ankle at the end of the game.
From that moment, Sinner did not look comfortable. Although he tried admirably, he was limping between the points, and his movement was nowhere close to its explosive best for the rest of the contest.
The problem may have arisen because of the amount of tennis Sinner played. Due to the rain delays during the tournament, his contest against Rublev was his second match of the day, which is tough for someone who has cramped in the past.
Due to Sinner's issues, Rublev did not have to be near his best in the final set. He comfortably progressed to the semifinal 6-3, 1-6, 6-2.
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