Jannik Sinner denied Novak Djokovic a 100th ATP Tour title at the Shanghai Masters but still made sure to send a classy message to the 24-time major champion.
World number one Jannik Sinner extended his gap at the top of the ATP rankings as he picked up his seventh title of the year at the Shanghai Masters.
In a year that, at least on court, couldn’t have gone much better for the 23-year-old, Sinner has now also levelled his head-to-head record against Novak Djokovic at 4-4.
The Serb, whose 100th ATP Tour title still remains temporarily out of reach, was outplayed at the most crucial moments – a clinical edge that normally goes his way.
After a gusty tie-break and an early break in the second set, Sinner’s march to the title was a bit of a procession, with Djokovic well and truly outplayed.
A gusty and high-quality contest, Sinner marched to his 22nd win in his last 23 – a run that now includes two masters titles and a Grand Slam.
With nearly 15 years separating the two men and Rafael Nadal this week announcing he is set to join Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement, Sinner was quick to laud both Djokovic’s durability and quality.
“I’d like to start with Novak straight away,” Sinner said in his title acceptance speech. “So nice to see you still playing incredible tennis. You keep showing it year after year.
“Not only you, also to your team. I also know some of your team we are exchanging a little bit our team members,” the Italian jokes, who’s recently added Djokovic’s former physio and trainer, Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio.
“You’re doing an incredible job. I wish you all the best. Not just this season but trying to stay healthy for next season. Hoping to see you for as long as possible.”
With a handful of tournaments to go, Sinner does not look like easing off the accelerator any time soon.
His Shanghai Masters win pushed him to within five wins of hitting 70 for the year, his highest tally in his career.
A magnificent Asian swing only saw him stumble once against a formidable Carlos Alcaraz in the Chinese capital.
Alcaraz has dealt him his only two defeats on the hard courts from top five opponents this year, with eight wins.
No doubt Sinner has the Australian Open in his sights. A title retention is the bullish start to 2025 that world number one is hoping for.Topi
