- Jannik Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to open his ATP Finals campaign.
- Sinner, the world No. 1 and home favorite, recovered from a slow start to dominate the match.
- The victory extended Sinner’s unbeaten record against De Minaur to 8-0.
- Despite a doping controversy earlier this year, Sinner is in top form after winning two Grand Slam titles in 2024.
- In another match, Taylor Fritz beat Daniil Medvedev, who had a meltdown during the match.
- Monday’s matches feature Carlos Alcaraz vs. Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev vs. Andrey Rublev.
World No. 1 and home favorite Jannik Sinner began his quest for a first ATP Finals title with a solid 6-3, 6-4 victory over tournament debutant Alex de Minaur on Sunday.
Sinner, who was the runner-up to Novak Djokovic at last year’s prestigious season-ending event, overcame a slow start in the first set. Despite falling behind early, the Italian quickly regained control and dominated the match, finishing it off with an ace. This victory marked his eighth consecutive win over De Minaur.
The 23-year-old, who has already claimed both the Australian and U.S. Open titles this year, has enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, and his victory against De Minaur reinforced his impressive form. Sinner had not played a competitive match in four weeks since winning the Shanghai title, his seventh of the season. Though he initially showed signs of rust, including a break of serve at 2-1 in the first set, he quickly found his rhythm and began to overpower his opponent from the baseline.
“I’m very happy considering I hadn’t played for four weeks,” Sinner said after the match. “I started with some unforced errors, but I stayed mentally strong, knowing my game would come together. It arrived quite quickly, and I started returning very well. I’m pleased with the win, and it gives me confidence.”
Despite his success on court, Sinner’s year has been marred by a doping controversy. In March, he tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clostebol, but an independent tribunal cleared him of wrongdoing after he explained that the substance had entered his system through massages provided by a support team member. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the ruling, and the case will now be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In other action from the Ilie Nastase Group, American Taylor Fritz triumphed over Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, winning 6-4, 6-3. Medvedev’s frustrations boiled over during the match, as a series of double faults in the first set led to a racket smash. His outbursts continued in the second set, including a bizarre incident in which he broke a microphone with his racket and was handed a point penalty. Medvedev later bizarrely faced a Fritz serve while holding his racket upside down.
“I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone,” Medvedev admitted post-match.
Looking ahead, Monday’s action features Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz taking on Norway’s Casper Ruud in the John Newcombe Group, while Germany’s Alexander Zverev faces Russia’s Andrey Rublev.
