Italian youngster Jannik Sinner snaps Novak Djokovic's 19-match winning streak
Italian youngster Jannik Sinner ends Novak Djokovic's impressive 19-match winning streak, triumphing over the world No 1 at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy
Jannik Sinner halted Novak Djokovic's impressive 19-match winning streak on Tuesday at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. With the support of enthusiastic home spectators, the 22-year-old emerged triumphant in the group match, securing a 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-2) victory - his first-ever win against the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion.
"That was a really high-level match," the world No. 4 Italian said after the win, per ATP.
Iga Swiatek from Poland celebrates her victory over Jessica Pegula from the United States in the singles final on the last day of the GNP Seguros WTA Finals Cancun 2023. The tournament is a part of the Hologic WTA Tour and took place in Cancun, Mexico on November 6, 2023. The photo was captured by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.
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"I think I was really brave and intelligent in important moments, especially the third set.
"I had the impression that both of us had exceptional serves, resulting in fewer exchanges. However, when we did have exchanges, we both displayed outstanding performance."
Sinner belongs to the emerging group of players that pose a threat to the older generation, including Djokovic, who is 14 years older than him.
During Tuesday's match, the Serbian superstar, who is widely considered the greatest player of all time, found himself applauding his opponent's exceptional performance on the opposite side of the court. Sinners powerful ground strokes continuously posed challenges for Djokovic, who appeared to struggle throughout the match in order to remain competitive.
Even as Djokovic applied his expertise to intensify the situation, Sinner displayed a higher level of performance, culminating in an overhead smash to conclude the match after surging ahead in the final set tie-break.
Courageous Sinner prevails
At the conclusion of the match, the duo exchanged a heartfelt embrace at the net, while the Italian crowd expressed their admiration for their beloved champion. "I believe the key distinction lies in his fearless approach during crucial moments," remarked Djokovic, according to ATP.
He deserved to win as I lacked aggression and decisiveness in crucial junctures, allowing him to seize control of the points.
I simply have to congratulate him. He displayed exceptional performance throughout the match. That's what I conveyed to him at the net. I believe he delivered his finest game during the pivotal moments and unquestionably earned the victory.
Novak Djokovic and Sinner embraced at the net after the match.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images
It was Sinners second win at this years ATP Finals - the end-of-season competition for mens tennis.
The Italian is still trying to secure qualification into the semifinals and will face Denmark's Holger Rune on Thursday in his quest to finish the group stage undefeated.
In the meantime, Djokovic will be up against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and will need a victory to ensure progression through the group.
Hurkacz replaced Stefanos Tsitsipas, who withdrew due to a back injury, in the ATP Finals. This prestigious tournament features the top eight ranked male players competing to claim the title of end-of-season champion. The players are divided into two round-robin groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Djokovic is the reigning champion after beating Rune in the 2022 final. The 36-year-old has won six ATP Finals titles during his career, including four consecutive wins between 2012-2015.
