Jannik Sinnerworld number one, lost 7-6(4) and 6-3 Novak Djokovic in the final of Shanghai Masters and dashed his dream of adding his 100th individual title to his record.
The Serbian was aiming to become the third man to win 100 individual titles on the professional circuit afterwards Jimmy Connors (109) and his Roger Federer (103), who watched it from the stands next to the four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
In front of a crowd that packed the stadium Qi Zhong, sinful23, won the tie-break of a thrilling first set, before winning the second, to become the youngest champion in Shanghai history.
“Then I played a very good tiebreaker in the first set, which gave me confidence to start the second well. Obviously, I’m very happy with my performance throughout the tournament. It’s very special.”
There were no break points in a tense opening set in which both players dominated on serve. Djokovicwho has 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, gave up just five points in six service games.
sinfulwho improved his tiebreaker record this year to 24-8, took the first four points in a row before clinching the first set when the Djokovic he went out.
The serving of Djokovic lost some steam in the second set and sinfula two-time Grand Slam champion, broke to lead 3-1 after a forehand winner down the line.
Two more services were put in place sinful victory was within reach and he achieved it with a resounding ace to close out the final in one hour and 37 minutes.
THE SINNER CONTINUES AN EXTRAORDINARY year
sinfulchampion of US Open and of Australian Openand that equals their record of direct confrontations against Djokovic At 4-4, he won seven ATP titles this year and took the number one ranking this week.
The Italian has won his last three games against Djokovic and became the first player not to face a single break point in consecutive matches against the 37-year-old tennis player.
When asked if he found the key to deciphering the game of Djokovic, sinful He replied, “It’s hard to tell you a secret because he has no weakness.”
“You just have to try to take advantage of the few opportunities it gives you. But there are not that many in the whole game and you have to try to believe in every moment.”
Success in Shanghai also won his fourth ATP Masters 1000 title sinful overall and the third this year, adding to his victories in Cincinnati and Miami.
Djokovic He said he couldn’t match the level of sinful. “Today was too good, too strong, too fast and well done. You are having an incredible year. You deserve it,” he said. “Also, I’m glad to see Roger. I’m not used to seeing you in the stands. I wish you were on the court playing with us.”
“It’s probably the first time I’ve played in front of you, so I was under a bit of pressure today, but it’s great. Thanks for being here. Carlos too. Thanks for coming,” he concluded. Djokovic.
Source: La Verdad
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