Jannik Sinner has once again proved himself to be the number 1 tennis player in the world at this time. The Italian ace won his seventh title of his exceptional 2024 in Shanghai, where he established himself as a top player at absolute level. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteriahas lost a single set during his run in China and has enhanced a season destined to remain in the history of this sport.
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Jannik defeated Serbian legend and 24-time Grand Slam championNovak Djokovic in the final in two sets, making a difference at decisive moments and showing incredible mental strength. Sinners numbers this year leave little room for interpretation: two Grand Slam titles, three Masters 1000 and two ATP 500.
Despite the doping case that hit him in recent months, the two-time Grand Slam champion managed to stay focused on the tennis court and improve constantly until he became the best of all. The Italian champion will rest a few days and fly to Saudi Arabia to play the 'Six Kings Slam', where Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz, Medvedev and Rune will be present. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria wont defend the title he won last year in Vienna, while his next official tournament will be the Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy before the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
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Sinner is the best
The Italian ace was almost impeccable and deserves to close the season at the top of the ATP ranking. The world number 1 and was the most consistent in 2024, suffering only six defeats and winning even when he did not express his best tennis. It was a very tough match, obviously, playing against Novak is one of the toughest challenges we have, said Sinner after the Shanghai final. Im very happy with how I handled the situation. He was serving great the first set, I couldnt find a way to break him. I played a really good tie-break which gave me confidence to start off well in the second set.
Its tough to tell you a secret about Djokovic because he doesnt have any weaknesses. You have to try and use the small chances that he gives you, but there are not many during the match. He is a legend of our sport, hes very tough to play against, so I am very happy.
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The level expressed today by the Italian was too high even for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who congratulated the best player in the world. "I want to thank the crowd for the support received. Every day you waited in front of the hotel giving us a warm welcome. Its a pleasure to be here in Shanghai. Ive had a lot of success in my career here and Im happy with the way I played. But congratulations to Jannik, who was too good for me today. He deserved this title Nole said after the match.
His great rival Roger Federer was also present at the stadium, who watched the match live with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz. "Its nice to see you too, of course, Roger. I know you would have liked to be on the field playing. Had a little pressure knowing you there in the stands. I also add that the organization of the tournament is notoriously one of the best if not the best in its category. Thanks again for making me feel special. Not just me but all the other players too Novak concluded.
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An impressive growth
Despite winning so much in 2024, Sinner also had to deal with some difficult moments such as the hip injury and the doping case. The US Open champion faced a lengthy trial and was found innocent by ITIA, but WADAs recent appeal against the acquittal has reopened the case and will force him into more months of stress. Jannik also stopped his collaboration with Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara, both responsible for his contamination.
During a recent interview with Leggo, Naldi expressed his point of view on the doping case: "I am very sorry, I wish I could tell everything that happened, but I can't speak because the case is not over, unfortunately. I hope that, sooner or later, I can tell what happened to shed some light because the current interpretations make me look like the only culprit, but that's not the case.
He also added: "Jannik was very kind: when Letizia was born, he wrote to me. Like the whole team. I have a cordial relationship with Jannik. In general, I have received demonstrations of affection especially from those who know me personally. On social media, however, I have read nasty messages and have been insulted. Because what has been conveyed, in the telling of this story, has been conveyed somewhat poorly." It is not yet clear when the final verdict on this matter will be given. According to the latest rumors, Sinner will know his fate in early 2025.
