Sinner sees off qualifier Mochizuki for quarter-final spot

Defending champion Jannik Sinner delivered another assured display at this year's Wimbledon by brushing aside Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3 7-6 (0) 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Sinner ​arrived in southwest London without any grasscourt match practice after his early French Open ‌exit in late May, but the 24-year-old Italian has steadily rediscovered his footing on the sport's slickest surface after a difficult opener.

"It's the first time we've played against (each other), so I didn't know exactly what to expect, ​but I tried to handle certain situations slightly better than him," Sinner said of his ​unorthodox and energetic opponent.

"He's an incredible player. Coming from the qualifiers and playing ⁠such a high level for such a long time. It's amazing. I wish him only the ​best. He should be proud of himself."

The four-times Grand Slam winner saw off Mochizuki with a ​show of relentless power and precision in the late Centre Court clash to stay firmly on course for a successful title defence and a second Wimbledon crown.

Having cruised through the first set as conditions improved on a scorching ​day, Sinner was left a little frustrated when his opponent saved three break points to draw ​level at 4-4 in the second before a short delay due to the roof being closed.

"He's tricky, especially ‌on this ⁠surface. His game suits it very well because he's very low ... but all things considered, I tried to stay a bit more aggressive," Sinner added.

"I had some chances in the second set, I couldn't use them. But still, I'm very happy about this performance, I'm trying to step up ​every day, be a ​little bit better."

Sinner returned ⁠and took the set into a tiebreak, where the world number one produced more ferocious strokeplay to blank the former Wimbledon junior champion, and he ​quickly tightened his grip on the clash in the third set.

Roared on ​by his ⁠fans, Mochizuki did not cave in and earned three opportunities to break back in the sixth game, but Sinner fended them off and never looked back to set up a meeting with German Jan-Lennard ⁠Struff.

"He's a ​big server," Sinner added.

"Now it's most important is to rest ​and we'll think about that tomorrow. But I have big respect for him. We've face each other a few times ... ​one very tight match. Let's see what's coming."