It was the dream finale and it (almost) kept all its promises. In just over two hours, the Italian Jannik Sinner (23 years old) defeated the Serbian Novak Djokovic at the end of a match that was initially close then one-sided (7-6 [4]6-3). For Sinner, still in the grip of a positive test for clostebol, the year 2024 will go down as the best year of his young career.
In Shanghai, the two men went blow for blow during a tight first round. Solid on serve, the two champions didn’t give up and headed towards a decisive game which the Italian won (7-4).
This loss seemed to affect the Serb, who weakened at the start of the second set. He wins his first service game well to equalize at 1-1 but breaks down in the next one. For the Italian, the game then becomes easier. As at the Australian Open last January where he won in the semi-final (6-1, 6-2, 6-7 [6]6-3), Sinner does not give up anything to his opponent.
The transfer of power between the two men is confirmed
Already assured of finishing at the top of the world rankings at the end of the year after his victory the day before in the semi-final against the Czech Tomas Machac (6-4, 7-5), Sinner remains as solid as ever against Djokovic, incapable to obtain the slightest break point throughout the match.
For the Serb who could win his 100th title of his career with victory in Shanghai, he will have to wait a little longer. On the contrary, the Italian registered his name on the Shanghai prize list for the first time, after a final ace. This is the seventh title of the season for Sinner, winner of his first two Grand Slam tournaments in Australia and the US Open.
The Italian also equalizes at 4-4 in his confrontations against the Djoker, who failed to beat the Transalpine in 2024. Better, he has won four of the last five confrontations. The transfer of power between the two men seems to be confirmed. “He served very well in the first round, I couldn’t break it,” analyzed the Italian champion after the match. Winning the tie-break gave me confidence. There was not much room to pass. You had to seize the few opportunities it gives you. I am very happy…”
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