Sinner defeats Dimitrov to advance to French Open semi-finals, securing top ranking after Djokovic withdrawal

Italian Jannik Sinner stepped up his bid for a second Grand Slam title on Tuesday, defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 7-6(3) to reach the French Open semi-finals, just minutes after it was confirmed he would be the new world number one.

Although he was unaware of it at the time, the second seed will take the top spot in the rankings on Monday regardless of who wins the French Open, as defending champion Novak Djokovic withdrew with a knee injury before his quarter-final match.

With Djokovic's withdrawal, Sinner, 22, will become the first Italian player to reach the top spot since the ATP rankings were first published 51 years ago.

"What can I say? First of all it's every player's dream to be number one. On the other hand, seeing Novak retiring here is, for everyone, disappointing. I wish him a quick recovery," Sinner said amid applause from the crowd.

"I try not to think much about this. This is a tournament I used to struggle a lot, especially the last two years. I'm happy to be in the semi-finals."

"It's a special moment for me. I'm very happy to share this with you guys (the fans) and everyone at home watching from Italy."

Sinner has a perfect Grand Slam record this year, but the Australian Open champion may face a more difficult test in the form of fellow young gun Carlos Alcaraz, who will face Stefanos Tsitsipas later on.

Sinner tested Dimitrov's backhand on Philippe Chatrier early in the match, and the lanky 22-year-old took a double break over his tenth-seeded opponent to win the first set without leaving second gear.

A blistering crosscourt forehand winner set up break point at the start of the next, and Sinner held firm to edge ahead before shrugging off a back twinge to extend his dominance and lay the groundwork for his 33rd victory of a nearly flawless season.

World number ten Dimitrov, who won his first title since 2017 in Brisbane earlier this year and advanced to two more finals, fought valiantly in the third set to force a tiebreak, which Sinner easily won.

"I am very happy. We have played a couple of times before and I know what to expect. We played a final in Miami and it is always tough to play against him," Sinner said.

"He is such a great talent and nice guy. My performance was very solid, especially the first two sets."

"I had a little bit of pressure when serving for the match, but this is normal, this is tennis. I am happy with how I played later and to be in the semis."

SportsLigue