SHANGHAI: In the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-3 to end Djokovic’s attempt to win his 100th singles title.
The Serb had been expecting to turn out to be just the third man to bring home 100 singles championships on the visit in the expert period after Jimmy Connors (109) and rival Roger Federer (103), who was watching on from the stands close by four-times Huge homerun champion Carlos Alcaraz.
23-year-old Sinner won an exciting first set in a tiebreak in front of a packed crowd at the Qi Zhong Stadium before winning the one-sided second set to become the youngest champion in Shanghai history.
Sinner stated, “I really couldn’t find a way to break him” because “he was serving great the first set.”
Then, in the first set, I played a very good tiebreaker, which gave me confidence to start well in the second set. I’m clearly extremely blissful about my presentation all through this entire competition. It is one of a kind.”
In a tense first set in which both players dominated on serve, there were no breakpoints. In six service games, Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, gave up just five points.
Sinner improved his tiebreaker record this year to 24-8, winning the first four points in a row before clinching the first set when a Djokovic return went wide. It took a tiebreak to separate the two.
In the second set, Djokovic’s serve lost some of its power, and Sinner, a two-time Grand Slam champion, broke for a 3-1 lead with a forehand winner down the line.
Sinner crossed the finish line with an emphatic ace to win the final in an hour and 37 minutes. Two more service holds brought him within striking distance of victory.
Sinner, who won the US Open and Australian Open and tied Djokovic’s head-to-head record at 4-4, has won seven ATP titles this year and secured the top spot at the end of the year earlier this week.
Heathen has won his last three matches against Djokovic and turned into the primary player to have not confronted a solitary breakpoint in that frame of mind back matches against the 37-year-old.
Sinner responded, “Yes, I have found the key to unlocking Djokovic’s game. He doesn’t have any flaws, so it’s hard to tell you a secret.
“All you have to do is try to make use of the very few chances he gives you. However, there are not so many all through the entire match and you need to attempt to have confidence in each second.”
In addition to his victories in Cincinnati and Miami, Sinner’s victory in Shanghai secured his third ATP Masters 1000 title this year and his fourth overall.
Djokovic stated, “I just can’t match Sinner’s level.” He was simply too great today, excessively solid, excessively quick and all around good. This year has been incredible for you. This is due to you.
Also, seeing Roger is nice. I’m not used to seeing you in the stands. I wished you were playing with us on the court.
“I had a little pressure today because it’s probably the first time I’m playing in front of you, but it’s great. I’m glad you’re here. Carlos, also. Much thanks to you for emerging.”
