Jannik Sinner continued his impressive run at the ATP Finals in Turin, solidifying his position as the group winner after a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev. In just one hour and 13 minutes, Sinner dispatched the formidable Russian to cap an unbeaten run in the Ilie Nastase Group, having already secured victories against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. The young Italian star, who has rapidly ascended to the top of men’s tennis, demonstrated poise, power, and strategic acumen that have become his trademarks.
Reflecting on his performance and his relentless pursuit of improvement, Sinner emphasized the importance of evolving his game and remaining unpredictable, especially against familiar foes like Medvedev. “I’m trying to find new ways to improve as a player. I’m trying to win as many matches here as I can,” Sinner said in a post-match interview featured on ATP’s official website. “Me and Daniil, we know each other very well. So, every time we step on court, we try to change something tactically. I felt like I was ready to see what he was going to do today.”
The 22-year-old Italian, who has enjoyed a breakout season, capturing titles including Masters 1000 events and achieving significant victories over the sport’s elite, spoke with clarity about the mindset that has propelled him to new heights. “I know what I have achieved during this year, so I try to step on court with a good mindset,” he remarked. “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.”
Sinner’s triumphs have resonated deeply with the home crowd in Turin, and he relishes every opportunity to play in such an atmosphere. “The atmosphere here is amazing, so I’m just trying to play some good tennis this week. Let’s see what’s coming in the next round,” he added. Sinner’s next challenge will come against the runner-up from the John Newcombe Group, with the potential opponent being Casper Ruud, pending the outcomes of matches between Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, and Carlos Alcaraz.
While Sinner’s own reflections showcased his methodical approach to growth, his defeated opponent, Daniil Medvedev, offered an intriguing perspective on what it means to face the world No. 1. Medvedev’s admiration for Sinner’s level of play underscores the seismic shift in men’s tennis, as a new generation challenges and, at times, surpasses the dominance of legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
Medvedev, a seasoned competitor and Grand Slam champion himself, highlighted Sinner’s unique qualities, acknowledging the difficulty of facing him in crucial matches. “Look, he’s barely losing this year. If you want to win a title, you will face him at one moment. It’s not easy to beat him,” Medvedev conceded. “A lot of people try. A lot of people fail. There is mostly one guy who does it a little bit more times than the others, and it’s Carlos [Alcaraz]. Yeah, I mean, he’s a very, very strong opponent.”
The Russian alluded to Sinner’s rapid ascent and his ability to raise the bar with each match, pointing to a recent encounter as an eye-opener. “As I said, a little bit after Saudi Arabia where he surprised me a lot, I didn’t know he has even this level higher in him,” Medvedev admitted. He further elaborated on Sinner’s distinctiveness, comparing his speed and agility to the legendary “Big Four” he once faced. “He’s maybe one of the best players I have faced. I faced the Big Four a little bit when they were a little bit older, and maybe the speed was not the same.”
Medvedev’s comments, though gracious in defeat, also served as a warning to the rest of the field. Sinner’s age and potential suggest that he could dominate for years to come. “I’m going to try to work in pre-season. Maybe at one point he loses his confidence, starts to miss some balls,” Medvedev said, almost with a hint of hope. “Otherwise, everyone—not only me—is in for some very, very tough years ahead of us because he’s very young.”
The victory over Medvedev is yet another milestone in Sinner’s already glittering 2024 season. As he progresses through the ATP Finals, all eyes will remain fixed on the young Italian prodigy. With his exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and ability to perform on the biggest stages, Sinner is emerging as one of the game’s brightest stars and a serious contender to carry the torch for the next generation of men’s tennis. Whether facing veterans or up-and-coming challengers, Sinner continues to prove he belongs at the very top of the sport, and his journey is only just beginning.