| October 12, 2024 | by Vivienne Christie |
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Jannik Sinner has already secured an epic milestone at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
On completing his progress to a first Shanghai final with a semifinal victory over Tomas Machac, he also sealed a coveted place in history as the year-end world No.1. "Being No. 1 in the world at the end of the year, it was only a dream just to become No.1. Now finishing it, it's also a different feeling," said Sinner, who becomes the first Italian player to achieve the feat.
For now, there's also another No.1 priority for Sinner in Shanghai. In a marquee season that's so far delivered 64 match wins and six trophies, there's also a 17th career title in sight.
"I'm very happy to achieve this. It was an amazing season for me, and it's not finished yet," he said. "Tomorrow is a great final ahead, first time here in Shanghai, so I'm looking forward to it, and then we see how it goes, hopefully, it's going to be a good match."
Sinner was wise to maintain focus against the in-form Machac. Ahead of his first ATP Masters 1000 final, the Czech had vowed to bring the form that delivered upset wins over Tommy Paul and Carlos Alcaraz.
And while Machac did that for much of a brilliant semifinal at Qi Zhong Stadium, it was never quite enough. With Roger Federer among an absorbed audience, the world No.33 showcased his high-intensity shot-making from the outset, gaining a break against Sinner in the opening game.
But with a solid mentality among the many qualities the Italian has displayed in his stellar season, he quickly recovered and went on to take the first set. Sinner also maintained calm as he navigated two break points in the second set, going on to complete a 6-4 7-5 victory in one hour and 43 minutes.
As Sinner targets a first ATP Masters 1000 title on Sunday, a highly motivated Novak Djokovic stands in his way.
With progress over Taylor Fritz in the second semifinal, the Serbian progressed to the fifth Rolex Shanghai Masters final of his career. It comes 12 years after he defeated Andy Murray to win the first of his four Shanghai titles in 2012.
Adding to an already tremendous occasion, Djokovic will challenge for the 100th title of his career.
"It's always special. In China, it feels like a destiny to fight for a 100th title here in a place where I've had great success in the past, where I have tremendous support," said Djokovic, who claimed a 10th straight win against the No.7 American.
"And very grateful, especially tonight, the atmosphere was electric, people were really backing me all the way through. So, yeah, it's great to play in such atmosphere, you know, and just gets me going and motivates me to push even harder."
As he drew on some vintage shot making in his 6-4 7-6(6) victory, Djokovic's trademark resilience was also on display.
Defending superbly in the big moments, he saved three break points in the opening game and converted one of his own to secure the first-set lead. There was also a set point saved in the second-set tiebreak, before victory was secured in just under two hours.
While treated for an injury late in the second set, Djokovic insists it "it not bothering (him)" ahead of the final.
"I'm in a great position to win the title, you know, fighting for my 100th title overall, and 41st Masters, against the best player in the world," he said.
"I won't be a favourite on the court, but hopefully I'll be able to come out physically fresh enough, you know, to challenge him for what may be, you know, the long match.
"I have to expect probably the toughest encounter of the tournament, and I have to be ready for it, so I look forward to a great challenge."
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