Tennis-Sinner through in Halle to set up clash with former champion Bublik

FILE PHOTO: Jun 8, 2025; Paris, FR; Jannik Sinner of Italy returns a shot during the men’s singles final against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on day 15 at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images/File Photo

(Reuters) -Top seed Jannik Sinner beat local hope Yannick Hanfmann 7-5 6-3 to move into the last 16 at the Halle Open on Tuesday as the world number one looks to defend the only grasscourt title he has won in his career.

In his first match since the epic Roland Garros final where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a contest that lasted 5-1/2 hours, Sinner returned to winning ways as he got the better of Hanfmann who is ranked 138 in the world.