Jannik Sinner is the first player to qualify for the semi-final at the ATP Finals. The home favorite faced world no. 3 Alexander Zverev in the second round-robin match and provided a rock-solid 6-4, 6-3 victory in an hour and 37 minutes.
The Italian delivered his 28th consecutive indoor victory and remained in contention for the year-end no. 1 spot. However, Carlos Alcaraz still keeps everything in his hands following a 2-0 score.
Sinner and Zverev played for the tenth time, and the Italian provided his sixth victory, the fourth in a row. The defending champion claimed ten points more than a two-time winner.
Interestingly, both players struggled behind the second serve big time. Jannik defended all seven break points and provided two breaks from four opportunities. Zverev served at 83% but blew his chances after those two costly service games.
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Sinner landed 28 winners and 14 unforced errors, leaving his opponent on a 17-16 ratio. Alexander had the upper hand from the baseline but trailed in service winners and at the net.
They stayed neck and neck in the mid-range and most extended rallies, while world no. 2 earned his victory in the shortest ones. The Italian denied two break points at the beginning of the duel.
They served well in the next eight games and looked good to introduce a tie break. However, Zverev lost the pace on his forehand in the tenth game, sufferinga break and allowing his rival to claim the opener 6-4.
Sinner struggled early in the second set. He denied four break points in games three and five and kept his service games intact. After missing his chances, the German experienced a break in game six and fell 4-2 behind.
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The home favorite saved another break point in game seven for 5-2 and held at 15 two games later to bring the victory home and book a place in the semi-final.
