Sinner More Confident Ahead of Wimbledon After First Grasscourt Title 

Tennis - Halle Open - OWL Arena, Halle, Germany - June 23, 2024 Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the trophy after winning the final against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz. (Reuters)
Tennis - Halle Open - OWL Arena, Halle, Germany - June 23, 2024 Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the trophy after winning the final against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz. (Reuters)
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Sinner More Confident Ahead of Wimbledon After First Grasscourt Title 

Tennis - Halle Open - OWL Arena, Halle, Germany - June 23, 2024 Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the trophy after winning the final against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz. (Reuters)
Tennis - Halle Open - OWL Arena, Halle, Germany - June 23, 2024 Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the trophy after winning the final against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz. (Reuters)

Jannik Sinner is primed for a Wimbledon title tilt after picking up his first grasscourt trophy at Halle on Sunday and the Italian said he is more confident on the surface heading into the Grand Slam that begins next week.

The 22-year-old became the eighth man since the ATP rankings were first published in 1973 to win his first tournament as the world number one after beating doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8) 7-6(2) in Germany.

"I'm looking forward to it (Wimbledon). Last year I made the semi-finals, I played some good tennis. Let's see what's coming this year," said Sinner, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year.

"I'm more confident for sure. And on this surface, obviously the grass might be a bit different from here and Wimbledon. But I have one week now to prepare for it, so hopefully it's going to be a good tournament."

It was not all good news for Sinner, however, as his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya was beaten 6-7(0) 6-4 7-6(3) by Jessica Pegula in the Berlin final.

"My girlfriend Anna played in Berlin. She lost, with six (five) match points. I'm very sorry for her," said Sinner.

"She also had an amazing week."

Wimbledon runs from July 1-14.



Brazil Goalkeeper Alisson Set to Return from Injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Brazil Goalkeeper Alisson Set to Return from Injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in training and is set to return to the team for the trip to Wolverhampton in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave a positive update on Friday on the Brazil international, who has missed the last two games — big wins over Bournemouth in the league and West Ham in the League Cup — because of a hamstring injury.

“We are expecting him in the whole (practice) session today," Slot said of Alisson. “We think he is available.”

Backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher replaced Alisson for the last two games.