Jannik Sinner falls to Wawrinka but inches closer to Top 100 debut

Jannik Sinner is on the cusp of becoming the youngest player in the Top 100. In Antwerp, the 18-year-old defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach the semifinals, building on his previous win over top seed Gael Monfils.

"I just can say thanks for the wildcard," he told the crowd, having been ranked too low to get into the tournament himself. He entered the week ranked No. 119; A year ago, he was No. 778.

The Italian's path upwards hasn't just been rapid, it's also unusual—both in terms of the age he began concentrating on the game and the development approach he's chosen since then.

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Sinner pursued skiing until switching full-time to tennis around the beginning of his teens, when he started working at Riccardo Piatti's academy. He played few junior events, preferring to get on the pro tour at a young age and compete against a higher level of opposition.

It's been a successful strategy, with Sinner winning two ATP Challenger events this season. He won his first ATP Masters 1000 match in Rome and qualified for the US Open for his Grand Slam debut, where he went four sets against Wawrinka.

"It was a very big court against a three-time Grand Slam champion. I played very good there," Sinner said. "I’m trying to make experience, especially this year. I’m trying to play good or better next year."

He got another opportunity for experience when he faced Wawrinka on Saturday, but he lost handily, 6-3, 6-2. Sinner had three ATP-level wins before this event, the same number he won this week. He's projected to move up to No. 101, and is entered in Vienna next week.

In Sunday's Antwerp final, Wawrinka awaits the winner of Andy Murray and Ugo Humbert.