Jannik Sinner of Italy serves his profitable shot in opposition to Novak Djokovic of Serbia throughout the males’s singles match within the Shanghai Masters tennis match at Qizhong Forest Sports activities Metropolis Tennis Heart in Shanghai, China, Sunday (October 13, 2024)
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Novak Djokovic‘s bid so as to add a a centesimal singles title to his trophy cupboard was dashed after he was overwhelmed 7-6(4) 6-3 by world primary Jannik Sinner within the Shanghai Masters remaining on Sunday (October 13, 2024).
The Serb had been hoping to turn into solely the third man to win 100 singles titles on the tour within the skilled period after Jimmy Connors (109) and rival Roger Federer (103), who was watching on from the stands alongside four-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
In entrance of a packed crowd on the Qi Zhong Stadium, 23-year-old Sinner got here out on high in a tiebreak in an enthralling opening set, earlier than taking the one-sided second set to turn into the youngest-ever champion in Shanghai.
“He was serving nice the primary set, I actually could not discover a approach to break him,” Sinner stated.
“Then I performed an excellent tiebreaker within the first set, which gave me the arrogance to start out off nicely within the second set. I am clearly very completely satisfied about my efficiency all through this entire match. It is a very particular one.”
There have been no breakpoints in a tense opening set the place each gamers dominated on serve. Djokovic, who owns 24-times Grand Slam titles amongst his haul, gave away simply 5 factors in six service video games.
It took a tiebreak to separate the 2 and Sinner, who improved his report in tiebreakers this 12 months to 24-8, took the primary 4 factors in a row earlier than clinching the primary set when a Djokovic return flew vast.
Djokovic’s serve misplaced a few of its efficiency within the second set and two-times Grand Slam champion Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead after blasting a forehand winner down the road.
Two extra service holds put Sinner inside attain of victory and he crossed the end line with an emphatic ace to wrap up the ultimate in an hour and 37 minutes.
Sinner continues outstanding 12 months
U.S. Open and Australian Open champion Sinner, who levelled his head-to-head report in opposition to Djokovic at 4-4, has gained seven ATP titles this 12 months and ensured the year-end primary rating earlier this week.
Sinner has gained his final three matches in opposition to Djokovic and have become the primary participant to haven’t confronted a single breakpoint in back-to-back matches in opposition to the 37-year-old.
Requested if he had discovered the important thing to unlocking Djokovic’s recreation, Sinner stated: “It is robust to inform you a secret as a result of he does not have any weaknesses.
“You simply must attempt to use the actually small quantity of probabilities he offers you. However there usually are not so many all through the entire match and you must attempt to imagine in each second.”
The victory in Shanghai additionally ensured Sinner’s fourth ATP Masters 1000 title total and his third this 12 months, including to his wins in Cincinnati and Miami.
Djokovic stated he simply couldn’t match Sinner’s stage, including: “He was simply too good right now, too sturdy, too quick and nicely completed. You are having an unbelievable 12 months. You deserve this.
“Additionally, it’s good to see Roger. I’m not used to seeing you within the stands. I want you have been right here on the courtroom taking part in with us.”
“It is in all probability the primary time that I am taking part in in entrance of you, so I had a bit of stress right now, but it surely’s nice. Thanks for being right here. Carlos as nicely. Thanks for popping out.”
Printed – October 13, 2024 06:21 pm IST
