ROME - Jannik Sinner has beaten Novak Djokovic in the final of the Masters 1000 Shanghai in two sets, 7-6 6-3. This marks Sinner’s 17th career win, including the US and Australian Opens, with his opponent still stuck tantalisingly on 99 career wins. 

 In the first set neither player was able to get the better of their opponent’s serve, with the somewhat sparse crowd being treated to an exhibition of the highest quality tennis. Both players went on the attack, often hitting strong forehand winners and approaching the net. However, in the tie-break it was the Italian who came out triumphant, beating his Serbian opponent a confident 7-4. 

 The second set was not such a tightly contested affair, with Sinner breaking Djokovic’s serve early on. Sinner utilised his youthfulness, energetically returning Djokovic’s bolting forehands with even more powerful strokes. By the end, the Serb looked truly beaten, as Sinner took the match, set, game and championship at 6-3. In their embrace at the net after the match, Djokovic nodded his head at Sinner, as if to recognise that on this occasion, he had been beaten by the better man. 

 In the post-match interview, both men discussed their opponent, their season, and their future. Djokovic had nothing but praise for Sinner, even reflecting that his athleticism, power and energy “reminds me of me.” Djokovic admitted his overall disappointment at a season which saw him come away empty handed in Masters and Grand Slam championships, but crucially he claimed gold at the Paris Olympics, which he said was his “goal for the season.” Djokovic said that when it came to winning his 100th title “it is not a case of life or death but he will continue to work hard because it will happen in the future.”   

 Sinner shared similar words of praise for his opponent describing Djokovic as a “legend” and “one of the toughest competitors on the tennis circuit.” Reflecting on his own season, the Italian emphasised the importance of concentrating on tennis despite the ongoing distractions, particularly surrounding allegations of doping: “This year I have had lots of success, but it has been a very difficult year for other reasons: I have lost my smile a bit because of questions that aren’t about the tennis court which stay on my mind. It is not easy to play in my situation, but I have tried to enjoy myself as much as possible.” 

 The Italian will now finish the year as world number 1. It remains anyone’s game next year, with Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic all still favourites at any Grand Slam tournament. 

 tjpw