Jannik Sinner secured his spot in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals after defeating Daniil Medvedev for the second-time since the US Open.
Despite a hiccup in the Beijing Final eight days ago, Jannik Sinner kept the wheels turning as he notched up his 63rd win of the year.
An ailing Daniil Medvedev, who received treatment for his shoulder midway through the second set, has now lost seven of his last eight matches against the Italian.
Having won the first six, including the Miami 2023 final win, he only managed to beat Sinner at Wimbledon this year when he was hampered by illness.
A remarkable year of consistent success was more or less started around this time last year with Sinner leading Italy to their first Davis Cup title in 47 years.
After clinching the world number one spot in June, Sinner had made sure to keep his position at the top, with wins in Cincinnati and the US Open helping him extend his lead.
With a rematch against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final brewing, Sinner will be desperate for a shot at revenge.
With 63 wins this year, Sinner has also reached the quarter-finals of every event he’s taken part in this year – debating Andre Agassi’s previous Masters record.
A year of achievement continues on its incredible trajectory as Sinner’s quest for a seventh title of the season.
Having bookended the year with his first and second Grand Slam in Melbourne and New York, the Italian has responded to the disbelief surrounding his newfound consistency.
“It’s something I work on and prepare for. In past seasons, I struggled a lot to stay fresh towards the end of the year,” Sinner explained, via Punto de break.
Divulging exactly what changes he’s made to achieve such improved fitness, he said: “I think my training and recovery program throughout the year have been very, very good.
“I’ve also worked a lot off the court, trying to be ready for each match. Every tennis player has ups and downs physically; having them is normal, there’s nothing else.”
Having been edged out by the Spaniard just over a week ago in Beijing, with Alcaraz winning seven points straight from 0-3 down to take the deciding tiebreak, Sinner needs revenge.
With half of his defeats this year coming to the Spaniard, there really is no larger problem he is facing at the moment – well, perhaps apart from that one.
Despite Alcaraz maintaining he and Sinner are friends, their rivalry on the court is fierce and often brings out a new level in them both.
If Alcaraz can defeat Tomas Machac, the stage will be duly set, with fireworks again ready to explode.
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