Sinner and Medvedev claim victory, Patten advances.©(@ScrabbIit)
Jannik Sinner continued his impressive form at the ATP Tour Finals in Turin, defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, to move closer to securing a spot in the semifinals. The 23-year-old top seed, who claimed the Australian Open earlier this year, was in commanding form, overcoming Taylor Fritz‘s resistance in front of a capacity crowd. Sinner hit 22 winners to Fritz’s 19, securing his second victory in Turin after his triumph in the US Open final in September.
Sinner’s performance was especially notable as he had to fight off a break point in the seventh game of the first set, but he eventually capitalized on a crucial break to take control of the match. Sinner’s stunning backhand down-the-line winner in the second set helped him break Fritz’s resolve and claim the victory. With this win, Sinner, who has won seven titles this year, is now in pole position in his group with one round remaining.
“I blocked the noise and just focused on playing my game,” said Sinner, hoping to cap an eventful 2024 season with another major title. He added, “The crowd is helping me a lot, and it’s a big occasion for me.”
Earlier today, Daniil Medvedev showed resilience and composure in his 6-2, 6-4 victory over Australian Alex de Minaur. Medvedev had been frustrated during his opening match against Fritz. Still, he put those issues behind him, producing a solid performance to secure his first win in the Ilie Nastase Group. The fourth seed, visibly irritated in his opening defeat, managed to maintain focus and played aggressively, winning 87% of his first-serve points and breaking de Minaur’s serve twice.
“I went into this match blocking the noise, even from myself,” Daniil Medvedev said after the match. “I just tried to play, and it was a good feeling.” The Russian, who won the 2020 ATP Finals, dominated the game and sealed the victory in just over an hour, reaffirming his status as a serious contender.
In doubles action, Britain’s Henry Patten and Finland’s Harri Heliovaara secured their place in the semifinals after defeating Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 7-6 (7-3), 7-5. The duo, who are looking to become the first team since 2018 to win both Wimbledon and the ATP Finals in the same year, produced a thrilling performance that mirrored their victory in the Wimbledon final.
As the ATP Finals continue, all eyes remain on Sinner, Medvedev, and the remaining competitors, including Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who faces a potential fitness issue after pulling out of a practice session on Tuesday due to a chest complaint. Despite this, Alcaraz is expected to play against Russian Andrey Rublev on Wednesday, though his participation may be affected by the lingering injury.
The ATP Finals are shaping into an exciting climax to the 2024 season, with Sinner and Medvedev among the frontrunners for the coveted title.
