Jannik Sinner has had a remarkable season in 2024, winning six titles and finishing runner-up in Beijing. The Italian has won two Grand Slams (combined highest) and two Masters 1000 titles (highest). One of his 2024 season’s standout points is his lopsided rivalry against former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev. In Shanghai, he once again ran supreme against the Russian, beating him convincingly 6-1 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Jannik Sinner too good for Daniil Medvedev in Shanghai
Coming into this match, Sinner had reached the quarterfinals of all tournaments he had participated this season (14). That stat is remarkable in itself, but he maintained his consistency by reaching the semifinals of Shanghai for the first time in his career. After losing his first six matches against Medvedev, he has now leveled the Head-to-Head against the 2019 Shanghai champion at 7-7. Sinner’s only loss within their last eight meetings came at this year’s Wimbledon quarterfinals. Sinner has two Grand Slams wins against the Russian this year, in the Australian Open finals and the US Open quarterfinals, respectively.
In their 14th meeting, Sinner was devastating right from the off, facing just one break point and converting three break point chances on his opponent’s serve. Medvedev has had his fair share of complaints about the tennis scheduling and the quality of tennis balls, but he was second best in all aspects to the World No.1. Sinner is gunning for a third Masters 1000 title this year and a seventh ATP tour title overall. It will be his sixth ATP tour title this year on a hard court after earlier success in Miami and Cincinnati.
Potential rematch with Carlos Alcaraz
A potential matchup with Carlos Alcaraz awaits in the semis, should the World No.2 get the better of Tomas Machac. They played one of the standout matches of 2024 at Beijing last week, with the Spaniard triumphing in the final set tiebreak. Alcaraz has become a boggy player for Sinner this year as the Italian has gotten the better of almost every opponent, except for the 21-year-old. The duo have played each other thrice this year, with Alcaraz winning on all three occasions. All of their matches have been of the highest quality. Their battles at Indian Wells and Beijing went to three sets, whereas their semifinal at Roland Garros went to five sets.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
