Shanghai was the stage for the definitive passing of the baton at the top of world tennis Novak Djokovicthe last of the big three still active after the announcement of Rafael Nadal’s retirement, and Jannik Sinner. The current number 1, under the eyes of Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz, beat the Serbian champion (7-6, 6-3) for the third time in a row, triumphing in the Masters 1000 in Shanghai. Already certain since yesterday that he will end the year as n.1, the South Tyrolean has certified that he deserves the ranking but above all the role of first heir of that fabulous trio that dominated for twenty years.
«It was one of the most difficult challenges and given the opponent it is a special victory. Nole is a sporting legend and it is always tough to play against him”, said the winner. “Jannik reminds me of me” declared the Serbian, an explicit admission that he considers the Italian to be the one who can follow in his footsteps more than anyone else. Seventeen titles in his career, seven this year alone including two slams, Sinner will have to work hard to reach Nole’s records, 99 titles, with 24 slam triumphs, but the road seems clear. Despite the nightmare of the clostebol case, and awaiting a hoped-for definitive acquittal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in Shanghai as in Beijing – where he was also beaten in the final by Alcaraz – the Italian once again demonstrated of his enormous qualities and also of an uncommon mental strength. After holding his own against Djokovic in the first set returning almost to his best by settling it in the tie break, Sinner soon took off in the second match, taking less than one hundred minutes to get his hands on the trophy and the rich check destined for the winner, preventing his rival from winning his 100th title in career. For the n.1 it was the 65th victory of the season, compared to only six defeats, obtained thanks to important numbers: eight aces, with 61% of firsts with which he brought home 76% of the points, no balls -break granted and one out of two won, 22 winners against 23 errors not caused, the same number as the Serbian who however only shot 12 winners.
«Today was a very special day. I played with Roger and Carlos in the stands, splendid atmosphere”, said the South Tyrolean again, letting out a few smiles after having celebrated for a short time on the pitch, perhaps also as a sign of respect towards his great opponent. «In 2024 I had many successes, but it was also a very difficult year, I lost my smile a bit due to issues that do not concern the pitch and which sometimes remain in the mind – he stated – It is never easy to play in the situation in which I find myself, but I tried to enjoy it as much as possible and I’m happy with how I’m dealing with situations on the pitch. You just have to believe and stay composed in the important moments of a match. How do you beat Djokovic? Nothing, I was just able to make better use of the few chances he gave me.” How does he do it. the Serbian explained it: «His serve has become an important weapon, he is aggressive from the baseline, if he has a ball to attack he takes the initiative. Jannik is very solid with his forehand and backhand, he doesn’t make many errors, he tries to take time away from his opponent. This is what I have done for many years – he underlined – trying to suffocate my opponents in a certain sense, making them always feel under pressure. And he does, this year has been impressive, really continuous.” A clear image of what Sinner is and promises to be in the future. Now an exhibition tournament awaits him in Riyadh, where Nadal will also be on the field, then the last two 2024 objectives: the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup finals in Spain. All of Italy is waiting for him.