Jannik Sinner is the top favorite to win the ATP Finals, which are taking place in a beautiful arena in Turin. The world No. 1 hasn't suffered the pressure of playing in front of his fans so far, having won all of his matches without losing a set.
The Italian ace won his group by defeating Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev in two sets. Although the season is about to end and all the players are tired, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria has shown that he is still in excellent shape and will give his all to win his eighth title in 2024.
The 2-time Grand Slam champion who has achieved more than 90% of victories this season will face Casper Ruud in the semifinals and will start as the favorite according to bookmakers. The Norwegian ace was considered the weakest player in this edition of the ATP Finals, having achieved very disappointing results in the second half of the year.
The 2021 ATP Finals finalist delivered great tennis this week, beating Carlos Alcaraz on his debut and Andrey Rublev on the final day of the group stage. Ruud also put Alexander Zverev in trouble, showing that his game is very suitable for this surface (less fast than last edition).
Sinner is the top favorite
A win at the ATP Finals would make Jannik's 2024 even more special. The Italian ace had been defeated by Novak Djokovic in the final in 2023, but this year he dreams of lifting the trophy in front of his fans. A triumph in Turin would also give him further confidence ahead of the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled in Malaga next week.
Sinner has won seven titles this year and his consistency has been unattainable for all his opponents, including Alcaraz. The young Spaniard has reached very high peaks by triumphing in Paris and London, but he has not been as regular as the Italian during the season.
On the latest edition of the Tennis Channels podcast, former ATP ace Jim Courier spoke about Sinner and Alcarazs supremacy: "There is no doubt that there is a group of players like Medvedev and like Tsitsipas, and Rublev, and those guys are 27, 28 years old. We were hoping that this was going to be their time, when the floodgates would open for them, and then all of a sudden, you've got Sinner and Alcaraz put up a dam and say, 'Hold on one second, we're not going to let you in just yet.
He continued: "But, I don't know that we will see quite the same consistency out of that duo. We might, we certainly did this year at the Majors, but if there is three of them, or even four of them that can really pop up there consistently, it becomes much tougher but if it's just two, you might get an injury, you might get an upset, you might get an opportunity."
Jannik relaxes before SF
In a really bright season, Jannik is trying to enjoy every moment. The support of his family and team has been fundamental in recent months, characterized by the delicate doping case that has affected him. The world number 1 has maintained the right serenity also thanks to his family and relatives, who helped him overcome a really complicated moment.
After qualifying for the semi-finals in Turin, the 2-time Grand Slam champion allowed himself some relaxation by playing soccer with his family and team members.
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria cannot underestimate a dangerous opponent like Ruud, who will be able to play with little pressure and without having anything to lose.
"He is the best player in the world all year and is playing at home and has not dropped a set all week," Ruud said before his clash against Jannik in Turin. "He is the player to beat this year and I am going to do my best. It seems like this guy almost forgot how to lose. I will see if I can come up with something to challenge here. I will be prepared for probably the toughest match of the year."
The Italian champion wants to get to the final and win the title, which is why he will play with maximum intensity.
"The atmosphere here is amazing, so Im just trying to play some good tennis this week. I know what I have achieved during this year, so I try to step on court with a good mindset.
I have beautiful people around me who support me daily, which for me is really important. I try to enjoy my time on the court."
