Sinner takes revenge against Shelton in Shanghai | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Sinner takes revenge against Shelton in Shanghai

The Italian will meet Medvedev in the quarterfinals

October 09, 2024

Tennis always gives a possibility of an answer and Jannik Sinner accepted that maxim to the letter. The Italian advanced to the quarterfinals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters this Wednesday, defeating the American Ben Shelton, his executioner in the last edition of the tournament, 6-4, 7-6(1). With a passing test completed, the first seed reaches the decisive rounds with an oxygen tank in their hands.

The No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings used his stripes in a match that was always sharp, with the American’s crude serve as a difficulty to overcome. Jannik responded to the challenge with complete coolness, saving all seven breaking balls he faced in the match. Needing to take advantage of the few options offered by Shelton’s first ball, Sinner converted the only break opportunity to make the difference in the match.

“It has been very complicated. He has played only with first serves, with the exception of a second serve,” Sinner acknowledged, mentioning the impeccable 95% of first serves connected by Shelton in the first set. “I have tried to wait a little. Obviously against him, even if it is a second serve, it is very difficult to subtract.”

“But if I focus on the positive, I finished the match trying to be more aggressive. I succeeded and hopefully this gives me confidence for the next round.”

Sinner faces a very demanding draw in Shanghai, where he could have to compete with three former world No. 1s to lift the trophy. The Italian will begin that possible challenge by playing in the quarterfinals against Daniil Medvedev, who this Wednesday defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(3), 6-3.

Currently ranked No. 4 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, Medvedev strengthened his chances of qualifying for the sixth consecutive year to the Nitto ATP Finals, a tournament he won in the 2021 season.

In one of the most boiling rivalries of the moment, Sinner dominates 7-6 in the Lexus ATP Head2Head history over Medvedev, with whom he has maintained an intense face-to-face in 2024. The Italian won on his way to the title at the Australian Open, Miami and US Open, with an epic five-set victory by Daniil on the grass of Wimbledon.

Sinner maintains the pulse to become ATP Year-End No. 1 present by PIF for the first time. Thanks to his victory this Wednesday, the Italian maintains an advantage of 2,820 points with respect to the second position occupied by the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz. Both could meet in the semifinals in Shanghai, a scenario that could play a key role in defining the season’s classification.

Did you know that…?
Jannik Sinner is the first player to reach 25 wins in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments this season. The Italian, current champion in Miami and Cincinnati, wants to continue writing a memorable course in the gold category of the ATP Tour. Among active players, only Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic managed to win at least three titles of this caliber in the same season.