Italian rising star Jannik Sinner’s remarkable season continues to dazzle as he eyes his seventh title of the year at the prestigious Shanghai tournament. Despite a tough loss in the final in Beijing to Carlos Alcaraz, the world number 1 displayed resilience and mental fortitude in the penultimate Masters 1000 event.
In a thrilling third-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Sinner found himself struggling after dropping the first set. However, the two-time Grand Slam champion unleashed his fighting spirit and elevated his game to secure victories over Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev. Sinner’s performance against Medvedev, who was hindered by a shoulder injury, showcased the Italian’s unwavering focus and current status as the top player in the world.
With Alcaraz’s unexpected defeat to Tomas Machac in the quarterfinals, Sinner cemented his position as the year-end ATP ranking leader for 2024. This achievement is a testament to his consistent excellence throughout the season.
Looking ahead to his semifinal clash with Machac, Sinner acknowledged his opponent’s recent form but expressed confidence based on their previous encounter in Miami. Reflecting on his own performance, Sinner noted, “It was a great match for my team. These things can happen.”
In addition, Sinner shared his thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s retirement, praising the Spanish legend for the emotions he brought to the sport and his exemplary qualities on and off the court. As Sinner prepares to face Machac, he remains cautious of the Czech player’s aggressive playing style and fearless attitude.
Machac’s impressive victory over Alcaraz demonstrated his ability to disrupt top players and end winning streaks. As the world number 1 gears up for a challenging semifinal matchup, he understands the importance of maintaining focus and intensity against a formidable opponent like Machac.