Sinner and Fritz dominate ATP Finals?
The ATP Finals’ opening day set the stage for intense competition as reigning champion Jannik Sinner and American standout Taylor Fritz emerged victorious in highly anticipated matches against Alex de Minaur and Daniil Medvedev, respectively.
Playing on his home turf in Turin, world number one Jannik Sinner displayed dominance as he overcame seventh-seeded Alex de Minaur with a decisive 6-3, 6-4 victory. This triumph extended Sinner’s perfect record against the resilient Australian, affirming his control on the court as he seeks another championship run.
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz faced off against fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in a gripping match within the Ilie Nastase Group. Medvedev’s struggles began early, with a series of seven double faults in the opening set. The errors mounted, culminating in two consecutive double faults, gifting Fritz a crucial set point. Frustration visibly overwhelmed Medvedev as he shattered his racquet, eliciting gasps from the audience.
The second set saw Medvedev earn his first break point, but a misstep sent his backhand straight into the net. Momentum shifted continuously, with both players failing to capitalize on several breakpoints. Ultimately, Fritz seized his third break point, landing a masterful lob on the baseline, which gave him the edge. Medvedev’s anger crescendoed as he struck a courtside microphone with his racquet, drawing boos from the crowd and receiving a point penalty. Despite his opponent’s volatile display, Fritz held his composure, serving out the match to love.
Reflecting on the match, Medvedev expressed his frustration, admitting, “My anger and frustration were directed solely at myself, not anyone else. I was sorely disappointed with my own performance.” Fritz, meanwhile, credited his focus and poise: “I knew I couldn’t let my guard down. Medvedev would keep fighting, so I had to stay focused and play my best.”
Sinner’s triumphant return to the ATP Finals came on the heels of a remarkable season, highlighted by victories at both the Australian and US Opens and a total of seven titles in 2024. Sinner’s momentum has been strong despite a four-week break after his Shanghai win and the looming presence of a doping controversy that has hovered over his success.
De Minaur, making his ATP Finals debut, seized an early advantage, breaking Sinner’s serve. However, Sinner quickly regained control, showcasing his resilience with two love holds and an early break. His momentum continued into the second set, which was momentarily interrupted as an unwell spectator required medical assistance. De Minaur put up a spirited fight, but Sinner’s precision and consistency carried him to victory, finishing with his eighth ace and securing his undefeated record against De Minaur.
“I’m very happy,” Sinner said after the match. “I started with a few unforced errors, he was playing brilliantly, but I maintained my mental focus. My game came around, and I started returning exceptionally well. This win gives me confidence for the matches ahead.”
Looking forward, the John Newcombe Group will begin its campaign with Carlos Alcaraz of Spain facing Casper Ruud of Norway at 13:00 GMT on Monday. Later that evening, Germany’s Alexander Zverev will challenge Russia’s Andrey Rublev.
In the doubles competition, Britain’s Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara kicked off their tournament with a solid 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 victory over second seeds Marcel Granollers (Spain) and Horacio Zeballos(Argentina). The ATP Finals’ electrifying start promises a tournament packed with skill, intensity, and thrilling moments on the court.
