Jannik Sinner reached the semi-finals of the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, defeating Daniil Medvedev for the seventh time in his last eight matches. The 2024 of the Italian ace continues to be impressive, with only six losses suffered in the whole season. Not only did the 23-year-old from San Candido follow up on the progress already shown in the second part of last year, but he became even stronger from a technical and mental point of view. The world number 1 reached at least the quarterfinals in all 14 tournaments played in 2024, won two Grand Slam titles and as many Masters 1000, with a chance to win here in China.
Jannik Sinner & Daniil Medvedev, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
After the Beijing final lost last week, Jannik has started playing again without any worries and grinding one victory after another. Fans and insiders were hoping to see a new chapter in his great rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, who had defeated him in Beijing, but the Spanish ace was eliminated against all odds.
In the evening session today, Carlitos was defeated in two sets by a gigantic Tomas Machac, who played one of the best matches of his entire career. The current number 33 of the world has performed almost perfectly, interrupting the victory streak of Alcaraz who seemed a little tired.
Another huge achievement
The elimination of Alcaraz in Shanghai has a very important effect. Sinner is in fact mathematically certain to close 2024 at the top of the ATP ranking, a well-deserved goal for the best player of this season. Despite Alcaraz also winning two Grand Slam titles this year, Jannik was the most consistent player in 2024 and played at very high levels despite the doping case that concerned him.
“Obviously I’m very happy how I handled today and this match,” said Sinner after his win over Medvedev. “It felt like he had a bit of shoulder pain and couldn’t hit his forehand as well as he wished to. Hopefully he can recover as fast as possible, but from my side it was a great match, a great battle, and let’s see what I can do now in the semi-finals.”
Jannik Sinner, Shanghai 2024© Stream screnshot
The Italian ace reached his 10th Masters 1000 semifinal: “It’s better than my career expectations. You cannot plan when you are young. You never know what is going to happen in your career. You just try to improve daily. Obviously I’m very happy to be in this position. Being in the semi-finals of a Masters is always a big step forward. It’s a huge accomplishment from my side, but we try to keep going, we try to improve and see what I can do. But talking about today, it was a great match, and I’m looking forward to the semis.”
He will face Machac
Having reached this huge milestone, the 23-year-old from San Candido can play the last tournaments of the season with less pressure and can enjoy the moment. Today was marked by the announcement of the retirement of Rafael Nadal and Jannik wanted to send a beautiful message to the Spanish legend.
“Thank you Rafa for all you have contributed to the sport. Having had the opportunity to spend a few weeks training with you years ago is something I will never forget. Seeing you work as an athlete, but also getting to know you as a person off the court was even more special. A true legend of the game who paved the way and taught many of us how to be, as players and as individuals. We will miss you on the circuit!” – Sinner wrote on his official X account.
Jannik Sinner, Shanghai 2024© Stream screenshot
The two-time Grand Slam champion will face Machac on Saturday for a place in the final in Shanghai. The Czech player is playing the best tennis of his career and will be able to go on the court without having anything to lose. Jannik and Tomas have already faced each other this year in Miami, with the Italian ace winning two sets.
“I knew that the level of my tennis would be great because I am playing the best right now, for sure,” said Machac after his win over Alcaraz. “I beat Tommy Paul in my last match with an unbelievable performance. With these types of players, I have to play this level otherwise it’s 6-2, 6-3 and you go home, there is no other option. I am happy I managed to play like this for two sets.
I knew that I had a chance to beat Alcaraz, but you never know, even with a set and 5-4 lead it’s still so far from winning the match. I played great tennis against him in the Davis Cup in September, but there was this level for only one set. Today it was for two, so it was enough.”