Jannik Sinner Reaches First French Open Semi-Final, To Become World No.1

Jannik Sinner powered past Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets Tuesday to reach his first French Open semi-final, where he could face rival Carlos Alcaraz, on the day he secured the world number one ranking. The Australian Open champion, who will move top of the rankings next week after Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the tournament, eased to a 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) victory and will take on either Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last four. Sinner's achievement of becoming Italy's first number one in the sport was confirmed during his match, as the injury-enforced withdrawal of Djokovic was announced.

"What can I say?" said the 22-year-old.

"It's every player's dream to become number one in the world. On the other hand, seeing Novak retiring (from the tournament) is disappointing, so I wish him a speedy recovery."

Sinner already knew that he could take the number-one berth by reaching the final at Roland Garros.

He has enjoyed a fine season, also winning the Rotterdam and Miami Opens in addition to his maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

"I'm trying not to think about it too much as this has been a tournament I've struggled in the last couple of years so I'm very happy to be in the semi-finals," Sinner added.

"It's a special moment for me... for people watching in Italy. Let's see on Friday what I can do."

Sinner's rise to the summit of the ATP rankings continues a golden era for Italian men's tennis.

Italy currently has nine players in the world's top 100, building on the successes of Sinner and previously Matteo Berrettini, who was the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976 when he lost the Wimbledon showpiece to Djokovic three years ago.

"I think it's great for Italy. We are a great country with