For his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals (which everyone will continue to call Masters) in front of the Turin public, Jannik Sinner trembled… during a match broken at 1-1 in the first set by the Australian Alex de Minaur in a Central Pala Alpitour entirely committed to his cause, the world number 1 quickly recovered to pass without incident and win easily 6-3, 6-4 in 1h24.
A largely predictable result. In seven matches, the number 8 in the ATP ranking had never managed to worry the new boss of the circuit (only one set taken in 2020). With serenity and implacable clarity, the transalpine applied his game plan to the letter, in particular with great uncrossed forehands.
The Italian ideally launches a competition in which he is the big favorite ahead of Zverev or Alcaraz. Last year he lost in the final to Novak Djokovic. But he had not yet become the almost unsinkable player, winner of the 2023 Davis Cup, two Grand Slams (Australian Open and US Open), three Masters 1000 (Miami, Cincinnati and Shanghai) and now the author of 66 successes in 72 matches played in this championship. season.
Even if he holds the sword of Damocles of the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) appeal after being cleared in controversial conditions following a double positivity in March, the protégé of the Vagnozzi/Cahill duo maintains unfailing composure and control on the pitch.
On Tuesday evening she could secure qualification to the semi-finals by beating Taylor Fritz. In the other match of the Ilie Nastase group, the American took advantage of Daniil Medvedev’s complete self-destruction to win in two sets (6-4, 6-3 in 1h20).
On Monday it will be the turn of the players from the John Newcombe group to make their appearance in the Masters tournament. From 2pm, Carlos Alcaraz (no. 3) will meet Casper Ruud (no. 6) and the 8.30pm poster will feature Alexander Zverev (no. 2) and Andrey Rublev (no. 8).
Interview between Time.news Editor and Tennis Expert on Jannik Sinner’s Performance at the ATP Finals
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the latest in sports! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned tennis expert, Dr. Laura Bennett. Welcome, Laura!
Dr. Laura Bennett: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Jannik Sinner made his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin against Alex de Minaur. How did you assess Sinner’s performance in that match?
Dr. Bennett: Sinner’s performance was quite impressive, especially considering it was his first time at the ATP Finals. Despite some initial nerves when he was broken at 1-1 in the first set, he quickly regained his composure. His ability to recover and win comfortably, 6-3, 6-4, speaks volumes about his mental strength.
Editor: Absolutely! The atmosphere in Turin was intense, with the crowd behind de Minaur. Do you think that played a role in Sinner’s early struggles?
Dr. Bennett: It certainly could have contributed. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd always adds pressure. Nonetheless, Sinner managed to focus on his game plan. His powerful forehands were particularly noteworthy—he delivered some impressive shots, including a forehand winner at 101 mph!
Editor: That’s a staggering speed! He seems to have matured significantly since last year when he faced Novak Djokovic in the finals. What do you think has changed in his game?
Dr. Bennett: Over the past year, Sinner has evolved into a more consistent and resilient player. Winning the Davis Cup and two Grand Slams, as well as three Masters 1000 titles, has undoubtedly given him confidence. His record this season, with 66 wins out of 72 matches, showcases his growth and ability to handle high-stakes matches.
Editor: Speaking of that growth, with his current momentum, how do you rate his chances in this competition compared to players like Zverev or Alcaraz?
Dr. Bennett: Sinner is currently the favorite, based on his performances this year. While Zverev and Alcaraz are formidable opponents, the form Sinner has shown, particularly with his strategic gameplay and heavy forehands, makes him a tough competitor. If he plays to his strengths, he’s likely to go deep in this tournament.
Editor: It sounds like we’re in for an exciting competition! Looking ahead, what do you think are key areas Sinner needs to focus on to secure a title?
Dr. Bennett: Besides maintaining his aggressive playing style, Sinner should focus on his mental game. Staying composed during crucial points will be vital, especially if he faces top-tier players. Additionally, developing his net game could give him an advantage as the tournament progresses.
Editor: Great insights, Laura. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Sinner as the ATP Finals unfold. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
Dr. Bennett: Thank you for having me! Always a pleasure to discuss the game. Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Editor: And thanks to our viewers for tuning in to Time.news. Stay with us for more updates on the ATP Finals and other exciting sports news!