Sinner wins in Halle, Paul wins biggest title at Queen’s Club

Playing as world number 1 for the first time in his career, Jannik Sinner cemented his status as the best player in the world by winning the Terra Wortmann Open title on Sunday afternoon. Sinner narrowly beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8), 7-6(2) after one hour and 49 minutes.

A showdown between good friends and Halle doubles partners went as everyone would have expected. There were no breaks in the entire match, the game was only decided by tiebreaks. Hurkacz fended off all three break points that came his way, while Sinner fended off one.

The top-seeded Italian improved his head-to-head record to 3:2.

“That means a lot to me,” Sinner assured. “It was a tough match against Hubi. I knew that I had to serve really well and that you only play a few really important points in the whole set. So I was satisfied and tried to do my best in the important moments. I am very happy about this tournament because it is a good feeling to win on grass for the first time.”

At the Cinch Championships, Tommy Paul secured his first ATP 500 title with a 6-1, 7-6(8) victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Paul triumphed in one hour and 28 minutes.

The American, who will become his country’s top-ranked player on Monday, was up a set and 5-4 before suddenly breaking for the first time of the afternoon. Musetti continued to raise his level in the tiebreak that followed, but the Italian could not hold on to his 4-1 lead. Paul fended off a set point at 6-7 and won his third championship point at 9-8.

“Too nervous,” said the world number 13 when asked how nervous she was while attempting to serve. “I really wanted to hold my serve at 5-4. And then that breaker went crazy. It got going and I’m really happy to have won today.”