Jannik Sinner beats Pierre-Hughes Herbert in thrilling five-set match at Roland Garros

As expected from a five-setter, the match was evenly balanced and the level of competition between the two was, quite frankly, unexpected.

Jannik Sinner in a file photo. (Image: Twitter)
By Nilavro Ghosh | May 31, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The first round of the 2021 Roland Garros saw a thrilling contest as Jannik Sinner edged Pierre-Hughes Herbert in an incredible five-set match. The match ended 6-1 4-6 6-7 7-5 6-4 in Sinner’s favor against the unseeded French. Sinner displayed incredible composure and stamina for his age to go the distance to advance to the second round of the competition. He had built a fine reputation for himself at the Italian Open recently. His performances shot him to number 18 in the world rankings. The young Italian, after a brilliant display in his home country, will be looking to go a long way in the clay-court Grand Slam.

As expected from a five-setter, the match was evenly balanced and the level of competition between the two was, quite frankly, unexpected. Herbert scored 13 aces, more than twice of Sinner’s five. However, the Frenchman also conceded a whopping 12 double faults as compared to Sinner’s four. Sinner was also ahead in break points won as he won eight out of an available 12 while Herbert only managed four out of 12.

COMEBACK VICTORY

At one point, it seemed as though Herbert was on course for a shock victory, especially after leading 2-1 after the third set. However, the Suzanne Lenglen Court saw the Italian mount an incredible comeback in a match that lasted over three-and-a-half hours.

“When I saw the draw and his name, I knew it would be tough,” Sinner said after the match. “I knew the crowd was for him, but thank you for coming out to support us. It’s a crazy sport and today I am happy it went my way. I have survived and happy to be in the next round. It was tough,” he added.

Sinner would have been ousted from the tournament in the fourth set but was saved when Herbert’s backhand strike went wide, to his relief. The Italian captured his second ATP Tour title in February when he won the Great Ocean Road Open. He beat Travaglia in the final of that competition.

His record this season is currently 22-10 and he will play fellow countryman Gianluca Mager in the next round of the French Open. Mager had beaten Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 to advance.





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