In a sensational showdown at the ATP Finals in Turin, 22-year-old Jannik Sinner secured his first-ever victory against world number one Novak Djokovic, triumphing in a gripping three-set match that lasted three hours and nine minutes.
Sinner’s strategic brilliance shone as he clinched the group match 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2), ending Djokovic’s 19-match unbeaten streak since the Wimbledon men’s final in July.
In another twist, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the world number six, had to withdraw from the competition due to injury. Tsitsipas retired against Denmark’s Holger Rune, citing physical issues and leaving the court after consulting with a doctor during the changeover. Holger Rune, 20, expressed his understanding of Tsitsipas’s condition, noting the evident struggle from the first service game.
Despite Tsitsipas’s unfortunate exit, the drama continues as Djokovic, determined to qualify for the semi-finals, faces the challenge of beating Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas’s replacement.
Reflecting on his historic win, Sinner acknowledged the significance of defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion, stating, “It means a lot to me, when you win against the world number one who has 24 Grand Slams, it’s the top.” Sinner praised the high-level match and his bravery and intelligence in crucial moments.
The earlier match witnessed Tsitsipas grappling with a back problem, ultimately unable to finish the match against Rune. Tsitsipas expressed his disappointment at not being able to continue, conceding the spot to someone else to make a mark in the competition.
The ATP Finals continue to unfold with unpredictability, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the world’s top tennis players vie for supremacy.