Daniil Medvedev’s 2024 season has come to an end following his elimination from the ATP Finals in Turin. The Russian star entered his final round-robin match needing a victory to keep his hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, but his perennial nemesis, Jannik Sinner, proved too strong once again. The Italian, who has become something of a kryptonite for Medvedev, defeated him 6-3, 6-4, marking the eighth victory for Sinner over Medvedev in their nine career meetings.
The defeat also cemented Sinner’s status as one of the sport’s brightest talents. By advancing to the semi-finals as the World No. 1, the 23-year-old became the youngest player to do so since Andy Roddick achieved the feat in 2003. The victory underscored Sinner’s dominance in 2024, a year where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to thrive under the pressure of big tournaments.
For Medvedev, the match against Sinner revealed a number of missed opportunities and tactical shortcomings. After finding himself down a set and a break, Medvedev managed to rally, winning three consecutive games to level the second set. However, with the momentum seemingly shifting, Sinner quickly regrouped, reclaiming control of the match and reeling off three straight games to close out the victory in just one hour and 13 minutes.
In a post-match analysis, commentator Laura Robson highlighted the key areas where Medvedev struggled against Sinner. “There was a drive volley in particular where I thought ‘oh maybe he is going for a bit more,’” Robson told Sky Sports. “But he couldn’t sustain that as it’s not as comfortable for him, and also, Sinner is just unreal at passing shots.”
Robson noted that Medvedev’s inability to consistently play aggressive, net-rushing tennis hindered his chances of success. “It didn’t feel like Medvedev was able to find enough space to play net play and really aggressive tennis, if that is what we are thinking he is going to do next year,” she said. “He also came unstuck with the second serve, which was sitting up a bit too much for Sinner to get on top of.”
Sinner’s formidable return game posed a significant challenge for Medvedev, who struggled to take advantage of opportunities on Sinner’s second serve. “Equally, there were a few returns that I felt Medvedev could have gone bigger on, because Sinner’s second serve was sometimes bouncing a bit shorter in the box and bouncing up for Medvedev to potentially take on,” Robson added. “But I felt like maybe he could have run a bit more with the momentum when he did break back in the second set. It looked like Sinner’s game dipped a bit, maybe he lost concentration, but Medvedev didn’t capitalize.”
While Medvedev exits the ATP Finals earlier than he had hoped, Sinner continues his remarkable run, remaining unbeaten in this year’s tournament. The Italian has reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive year without dropping a match, underscoring his consistency and growth as a player. With his victory over Medvedev, Sinner notched his ninth consecutive win and equaled Alexander Zverev’s impressive tally of 68 wins in 2024.
Reflecting on his performance, Sinner expressed his determination to keep evolving as a competitor. “I’m trying to find new ways to improve as a player,” Sinner said. “I’m trying to win as many matches here as I can. 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.”
Sinner also spoke about the importance of maintaining a strong mindset and the support system that has helped him throughout the year. “I know what I have achieved during this year, so I try to step on court with a good mindset,” he said. “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 victory over Medvedev highlights the changing landscape of men’s tennis. While Medvedev remains one of the sport’s elite players, Sinner’s continued ascendance signals a new era of competition among the game’s best. As the 2024 season concludes, Sinner’s achievements and consistent performances serve as a reminder that he is not only a formidable contender but also a player who could shape the future of tennis for years to come.
For Medvedev, the loss offers a chance to reflect and regroup for next season. Despite his struggles against Sinner, he remains one of the sport’s most talented and tenacious competitors. As he looks ahead to 2025, Medvedev will undoubtedly seek to refine his approach and find new ways to challenge his rivals, including the ever-impressive Sinner. The rivalry between these two players promises to be a compelling storyline in the years to come, with both men pushing each other to reach new heights.