SHANGHAI, OCT 13 – World number one Jannik Sinner recorded a 6-4, 7-5 ATP Shanghai Masters semi-final win over Tomas Machac yesterday and will meet Novak Djokovic in the final.
Italy’s Sinner faced pressure soon after the match started when Macchac broke her serve in the first game.
However, Sinner quickly bounced back with a break in the fourth game. Macchac maintained a high level of performance throughout but lost momentum in the final games of both sets, giving Sinner a chance to take the lead.
Sinner hit 10 aces in the entire match, double that of Macac and the world No. 1 allowed just seven errors, 16 less than his rival.
With his victory, Sinner became the first Italian to finish the year as ATP Number 1. “It’s a good feeling. I am very happy to achieve this milestone. It’s been an amazing season for me but it’s not over yet. Tomorrow is a great final and the first time in Shanghai for me, so I’m looking forward to it. Then we’ll see how it goes, hopefully it will be a good match,” said Sinner.
Elsewhere, despite discomfort in his left knee, Djokovic overcame Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6 (6) to face Sinner in the final. After taking an easy lead in the first set, Djokovic’s physical condition began to bother him in the second set, forcing the Serbian to seek treatment at 5-6. The veteran continued to fight on tie-break to achieve his 10th consecutive win against Fritz.
“Shanghai has always been a good place for me. I always feel comfortable. I love playing in front of the crowd here and had an amazing support tonight. I am very grateful to everyone who really pushed me even when I was sad during the draw,” said Djokovic. – Xinhua
