Jannik Sinner reaches fourth ATP final of 2021

Jannik Sinner has a shot at a fourth career title in Sofia, Bulgaria after ousting the tournament’s fifth seed in the semi-finals.

The 20-year-old has the chance to win back-to-back Sofia titles after overcoming Filip Krajinovic 6-3, 7-5 in a little over an hour and 40 mintues.

Sofia was the venue for Sinner’s first career title in 2020, where he defeated Vasek Pospisil in the final. This year, Sinner has reached the final without dropping a set.

“It was definitely a very tough match against [Krajinovic],” Sinner said in his on-court interview after the win.

“We practise sometimes together, so we know each other a little bit. It’s a little unfortunate that the ending was like this. We were there [so close to each other]. There was a chance of a tiebreak, which I luckily avoided.

“I’m very happy to be in the final here once more.”

Krajinovic was hampered by a slight injury late in the second set and could not close it out despite leading 5-2.

Sinner will face Gael Monfils in an encounter between the top two tournament seeds. The Italian leads the head-to-head 2-1 over Monfils.

“We always have tough matches,” Sinner said of his battles with Monfils. “I think it’s the fourth time we will play. We had a tough one at the US Open in the fifth.

“He’s a great player, everyone knows that. He’s moving very well, which helps a lot on this court.

“It’s not going to be easy tomorrow. But, I can be happy to be in the final again and I will enjoy it.”

Sinner went two sets to love up over the veteran Frenchman in New York, but let Monfils back into the match to force a fifth. Sinner eventually won 6-4 in the decider to reach the fourth round there.