The world no.2 beats the German, leveling up in important moments. He reaches the semi-finals of the masters tournament for the third year in a row, and will certainly close the group on top
In the current ranking the degree of separation between world number 2 and number 3 (5040 points) is greater than that between number 3 and number 1000 (4945 points). This is not to belittle Alexander Zverev, who won the “tournament of masters” twice. But it is a fact that Jannik Sinner now only needs to raise the level of his tennis at the right time, with the timing and precision of a surgeon, so as not to give a chance even to the one who immediately follows him in the rankings, once his nemesis. Fifth consecutive victory, after losing four in a row. The idol of the Inalpi Arena then beats the German 6-4 6-3 in an hour and 37 minutes. Full spoils in these Finals for the title holder: two victories out of two and already a pass for the semi-finals, with the certainty of finishing in first place for the Borg group. Yes because, after two days, Sinner is leading 2-0 (two games won, zero lost) and precedes Auger-Aliassime and Zverev at 1-1 (one won, one lost), with Shelton last at 0-2. The last round, scheduled for Friday, will pit Auger-Aliassime against Zverev, both beaten by Sinner: the winner, rising to 2-1, in any case will not be able to finish ahead of Jannik because, with the same number of matches won, the direct clash will count.
THE MATCH- Sinner, initially a bit foul with his backhand, immediately had to face two break points. He cancels them with two aces. Then the dispute follows the innings until the fateful 5-4 for the blue. In response Jannik sprints 15-40, and then closes on the third set point with an attack and forehand volley: 6-4. Zverev curses, revealing all the intolerance of someone who fights for balance but, at the key moment, has to give up. In the second set, at 1-1, the South Tyrolean comeback from 0-40 with three winning serves. And other insults from the German who doesn’t take advantage of the chance and, as often happens, is punished. It happens at 3-2, in the first break point he gets in the set: transformed with a velvety forehand drop-shot. Jannik erases the counter break opportunity immediately after with yet another winning serve and flies towards success, 6-3. One break per set, the bare minimum for maximum results. The service numbers are formidable: 12 aces, zero double faults, 71% first balls, 83% first serve points, seven break points out of seven saves, confirming the perfect management of the important moments of the match.
sinner returns to the field
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Jannik on the field for the second day of the Bjorn Borg group. He will face world no.3 Alexander Zverev, second favorite in the group, in the match of the day. The two will take the field no earlier than 8.30pm
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