Medvedev wins Rotterdam with help from Sinner errors

Daniil Medvedev won his first title at the ATP Rotterdam event on Sunday, helped by nearly 50 errors from opponent Jannik Sinner.

The Russian who last claimed a trophy in Vienna four months ago engineered a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 comeback over the 21-year-old Italian who claimed the Montpellier trophy last weekend in France.

Former No. 1 and 2021 US Open winner Medvedev will return to a Top 10 ranking after the 16th title of his career.

The new father of a four-month-old daughter fired 18 winners and 23 unforced errors, turning the tables on Sinner as he broke five times in the second and third sets.

After reaching a 2019 semi-final at the Ahoy stadium Medvedev went out in the first round at the succeeding two editions.

“I’ve been coming here since 2018,” the winner said. “I only missed last year since it was so close to my loss (to Rafael Nadal) in the Australian Open final

“The last two times I played here I was terrible. I’m happy to make it better this year.

“This is probably my 10th time playing in Holland. It’s a fair crowd here even when I play Dutch guys.”

Sinner’s 48 unforced errors sealed his fate as Medvedev reversed the momentum after dropping the opening set despite leading 4-2.

“This for me is the best indoor event of the year,” the Italian said.  “It’s been a positive two weeks for me.

“I;ve played a lot of matches and I’m really proud,’ said the youngster coached by Aussie Darren Cahill. “I tried my best today, but…”

Medvedev’s win was his fifth without a loss to Sinner.