Jannik Sinner wins Shanghai Masters to extend Novak Djokovic’s wait for 100th tennis title

SHANGHAI – Novak Djokovic’s bid to add a 100th singles title to his trophy cabinet was dashed after he was beaten 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final on Oct 13.

The Serb had been hoping to become only the third man to win 100 singles titles on the tour in the professional era after Jimmy Connors (109) and rival Roger Federer (103), who was watching from the stands alongside four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.

In front of a packed crowd at the Qi Zhong Stadium, the 23-year-old Sinner came out on top in a tiebreak in an enthralling opening set, before taking the one-sided second set to become the youngest champion in Shanghai.

“He was serving great the first set, I really couldn’t find a way to break him,” the Italian said.

“Then I played a very good tiebreak in the first set, which gave me the confidence to start off well in the second set. I’m obviously very happy about my performance throughout this whole tournament. It’s a very special one.”

There were no break points in a tense opening set where both players dominated on serve. Djokovic, who owns 24 Grand Slam titles among his haul, gave away just five points in six service games.

It took a tiebreak to separate the two and Sinner, who improved his 2024 record in tiebreaks to 24-8, took the first four points in a row before clinching the first set when a Djokovic return flew wide.

The Serb’s serve lost some of its potency in the second set and two-time Grand Slam champion Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead after blasting a forehand winner down the line.

Two more service holds put Sinner within reach of victory and he crossed the finish line with an emphatic ace to wrap up the final in an hour and 37 minutes.

US Open and Australian Open champion Sinner, who levelled his head-to-head record against Djokovic at 4-4, has won seven ATP titles in 2024 and secured the year-end No. 1 ranking earlier this week.

But it is also a year that has seen him embroiled in controversy after he twice tested positive for a banned steroid in March.

In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted his explanation that the drug entered his system unintentionally when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy to the player.

But in September, the World Anti-Doping Agency said it would appeal against the decision to clear him of wrongdoing and was seeking a ban of up to two years.

Sinner has won his last three matches against Djokovic and became the first player to have not faced a single break point in back-to-back matches against the 37-year-old.

Asked if he had found the key to unlocking the veteran’s game, Sinner said: “It’s tough to tell you a secret because he doesn’t have any weaknesses.

“You just have to try to use the really small amount of chances he gives you.

“But there are not so many throughout the whole match and you have to try to believe in every moment.”

The victory in Shanghai also ensured Sinner’s fourth ATP Masters 1000 title overall and his third in 2024, adding to his wins in Cincinnati and Miami.

Djokovic said he just could not match Sinner’s level, adding: “He was just too good today, too strong, too fast and well done. You’re having an incredible year. You deserve this.

“Also, it’s nice to see Roger. I’m not used to seeing you in the stands. I wish you were here on the court playing with us.

“It’s probably the first time that I’m playing in front of you, so I had a little pressure today, but it’s great. Thanks for being here. Carlos as well. Thank you for coming out.” REUTERS, AFP