Reigning champion Jannik Sinner continued to assert his dominance on indoor hardcourts by extending his winning streak to 29 matches with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over American Ben Shelton in a round-robin match at the ATP Finals in Turin. This win positions Sinner for a semi-final clash against Alex de Minaur on Saturday, having already secured the top spot in the Bjorn Borg Group.
The atmosphere at the Inalpi Arena was relaxed given Sinner’s prior achievements, while Shelton faced an uphill battle after two earlier losses had eliminated him from contention. In the first set, Sinner broke Shelton’s serve twice, capitalizing on key moments with strategic aces that showcased his composure and powerful service game.
Shelton fought back in the second set, demonstrating improved performance by serving three games to love and saving a match point at 5-4. The match progressed to a tiebreak, which Sinner controlled to seal his victory.
This match marked Shelton’s ATP Finals debut, where he faced formidable opponents in Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, the latter of whom was locked in a significant later clash that determined a semi-final spot against Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner’s aspirations of finishing the year as the world number one took a hit when Alcaraz topped the Jimmy Connors Group, which left Sinner focusing on maintaining his unbeaten run rather than leaderboard positioning.
Before the match, Alcaraz received the ATP year-end world number one trophy, which Sinner claimed last year, further emphasizing the rising competitive spirit between these two players. The anticipation for a potential rematch between Sinner and Alcaraz in the finals remains high, promising thrilling future encounters that are sure to excite tennis fans around the world.
Sinner’s ongoing success reflects not only his remarkable talent but also the growing narrative of resilience and determination in modern tennis, as he continues to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. With a strong foundation of victories, Sinner’s journey not only showcases individual strength but also highlights the competitive spirit within the sport as he prepares for more challenges ahead.
Leave a comment