Sinner already in the semifinals of the ATP Finals, the match against Medvedev is worth first place in the group

Jannik Sinner is already in the semifinals before even playing, at the ATP Finals in Turin. Taylor Fritz he in fact lost the first set against Alex De Minaur 7-5, making even the last obstacle for the world number one useless, that is, winning at least one set in tonight’s match against Daniil Medvedev. A match that at this point will only serve to establish first place in the Ilie Nastase group.

Fritz then managed to overcome the Australian by beating him in three sets 5-7 6-4 6-3. The American now has to hope for Sinner’s victory to also reach the semi-finals. If Medvedev beat Sinner in two sets he would advance, but if he won in three sets, the passage of the round between the Russian and the American would depend on the number of games.

The long confrontation between Sinner and Medvedev

Between the blue and Medvedev it is a challenge that is renewed for the 15th time (Sinner has not faced any other tennis player such a high number of times). This evening’s clash at 8.30pm will necessarily break the balance (7-7) in their direct clashes which saw two clearly distinct phases: Medvedev dominated the first matches of their rivalry, winning the first six matches, then Sinner won seven of the last eight (the defeat at Wimbledon, moreover, it was partly a consequence of the Azzurri’s precarious physical condition).

“With Medvedev we know each other better than anyone with 14 matches already played – said Sinner at the end of the match with Fritz – it was one of the key points in my growth as a player, because I struggled a lot to beat him. It will be difficult also because he He played excellent tennis with De Minaur. We hope that it’s a good match and that he can play well. Now every match is quite open, you never know what will happen.

The Italian overcame Medvedev in five sets in the final of this year’s Australian Openafter a formidable start from the opponent. In that match, Medvedev also highlighted his ability to evolve his tennis with an ultra-aggressive game plan that surprised Sinner in the first two sets. The two played another best-of-five set match at Wimbledon, where Medvedev prevailed, although Sinner went on to defeat him at the US Open as well as the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Miami and Shanghai this season.

“To beat Jannik, you have to play a perfect match, from start to finish, you have to be there, you have to wear him out physically and make him work – said Medvedev – if you can’t do it from the start, he takes control of the match and is It’s difficult to interrupt his rhythm. He’s a very, very tough opponent, especially here in Italy.”

Both players showed top form on Tuesday in Turin, when Medvedev dominated De Minaur and Sinner overcame Fritz in perhaps the best and most intense match of the week. Their match on day five fully represents the Nitto ATP Finals: two of the best players in the world bringing their best tennis to the table.