Jannik Sinner Clinches Semifinal Spot at ATP Finals with Victory over Holger Rune, Securing Novak Djokovic's Qualification
Jannik Sinner makes history as he secures a spot in the ATP Finals semifinals, defeating Holger Rune in a thrilling three-set encounter The Italian continues his flawless run in the tournament, becoming the first Italian ever to reach this stage
Jannik Sinner made history as the first Italian ever to advance to the semifinals of the ATP Finals. He achieved this milestone by defeating Holger Rune in a thrilling three-set match, continuing his flawless performance in the tournament.
Despite already securing a spot in the last four with previous wins against Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Sinner displayed remarkable skills and determination, triumphing with a score of 6-2 5-7 6-4. This victory not only marked his first-ever win against Rune but also secured him the top position in the Green Group.
"For me, it was crucial to reset following the satisfying victory over Novak," stated Sinner, as per the ATP. "I had never defeated [Rune] before, so I gave it my all. I had a strong start.
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates a point in the Men's Singles Round Robin match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day three of the Nitto ATP Finals at Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy on November 14, 2023.
Novak Djokovic's 19-match winning streak was halted by the up-and-coming Italian prodigy, Jannik Sinner. In the second set, Sinner exhibited improved serving and enhanced mobility, resulting in a more evenly contested match. The outcome of the third set remained in contention, with the potential for Sinner to emerge victorious.
I managed to save a break point at 4-3. Today was quite a roller coaster ride, but I'm obviously thrilled to be in the semifinals and extremely happy about it. Another player who would probably be celebrating Sinner's victory is Djokovic, as he needed Sinner to win to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The 24-time grand slam singles champion defeated Hubert Hurkacz with a score of 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-1 earlier on Thursday. However, he was aware that this victory alone would not secure a place in the last four if Rune emerged triumphant later in the evening. If the world No. 1 observed the match, he would have experienced a slight sense of unease as Sinner seemed to encounter difficulties with a back injury towards the end of the third set.
Nevertheless, fueled by an exuberant and boisterous hometown audience within Turin's resplendent Pala Alpitour arena, Sinner successfully maintained his service game, ultimately sealing the victory. Additionally, this triumph signifies a momentous milestone for the 22-year-old, as he now holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Italian male athlete in the Open Era to amass a remarkable tally of 60 victories within a single season.
Rune has been eliminated from the Finals.
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
"It means for sure more doing it here in Italy, in Turin, a special place, special tournament," Sinner said of the milestone.
I am delighted to have the opportunity for at least two additional matches. I hope to conclude the year on a positive note. I believe things are progressing in the right direction, and I am eager to see what lies ahead.
In the Red Group, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev are all contenders for qualification, while Andrey Rublev has already been eliminated.
Alcaraz will play Medvedev in Fridays afternoon session, before Rublev faces Zverev in the evening.
