Germany’s Struff unleashed 18 aces and saved 16 of 18 break points but still went down to a 6-2, 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 (7-3) loss to the Italian.

“It was a very tough match,” said Sinner. “I had chances in the second, had chances in the third, but couldn’t use them.

“I just try to accept these kind of challenges.”

Sinner will next face China’s Zhang Zhizhen who came back from 2-5 down in the final set to defeat Christopher Eubanks of the US 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev edged closer to his first grass-court title with a come-from-behind victory over Arthur Fils in his quarterfinal.

French Open runner-up Zverev, the world No 4, came through 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4 against his French opponent.

The 27-year-old, a two-time finalist at Halle, becomes the first man since Roger Federer in 2019 to reach back-to-back semifinals at the tournament.

“After the French Open, I was hoping on grass I would play a bit quicker and not play for two-and-a-half, three hours every single match, but I’m continuing what I always do,” said Zverev.

Zverev will take on 2022 champion Hubert Hurkacz for a place in the final.

Poland’s world No 9 defeated Marcos Giron of the US 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 on the back of 42 winners, including 11 aces.