Jannik Sinner Takes the Next Step

Sinner ended the season in a much better place than he started it. He reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon before losing to Novak Djokovic. Sinner also claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title in the 2023 season. The Italian claimed the Canadian Open title defeating Alex De Minaur in straight sets. This was his fifth ATP title but first big win.

Sinner claimed his 10th ATP title, and third at the 500 level when he defeated Daniil Medvedev to lift the title. The Italian had now beaten Medvedev twice in consecutive finals and made the head to head look a bit more respectable. The 22-year-old hit the top four ranking in October and qualified him for the year end event of the top eight male players.

ATP Finals

At the end of season finale for the top eight male players, Sinner was in the same pool as World #1 Djokovic. A first round robin straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitspas saw the Italian off the mark. His next round robin opponent was the Serbian.

Sinner stunned Djokovic by breaking serve and taking the first set. The world number one is never to be underestimated though and forced a tiebreak in the second set, which he edged through. The 22 year-old held firm in the final set, with another tiebreak needed. This time the Italian eased through to record a 100% win ratio. A final group stage win against Rune saw the Italian through as top of the group.

A three set win over Medvedev helped the head to head and set up a rematch with Djokovic in the final. Sinner wasn’t able to get over the line this time though, as the Serb powered through to lift the ATP finals title again. However, the Italian has shown he is a force to reckoned with and can mix it with the best.

Jannick Sinner has taken the next step towards becoming a regular Grand Slam finalist and it won’t be long before the Italian claims one of the four most prestigious titles in Tennis. It will also end a bit of a wait for Italy, whose las male singles Grand Slam winner was Adriano Panatta in 1976 at Roland Garros.

Sinner needs to continue what he has been doing, improving and mixing it with the top players. The Italian is well on the way to becoming part of a new elite group of players.

Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports