Jannik Sinner advanced to the final of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday after defeating Tomas Machac with a score of 6-4, 7-5, securing his position as the world No. 1 for the remainder of the year. With this victory, Sinner will face either four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic or world No. 7 Taylor Fritz in the final match scheduled for Sunday. At just 23 years old, Sinner has held the top ranking since June, making him the first Italian to finish the season at No. 1.
Reflecting on his achievement, Sinner expressed his joy at reaching the pinnacle of tennis. "It was only a dream just to become No. 1... Now finishing the year there is also a different feeling," he remarked. He described his season as "amazing" and emphasized his current focus on the upcoming final, eager to continue his successful run.
The semifinal match against Machac started with an intense exchange, as the Czech player broke Sinner’s serve in the very first game. Machac, ranked 33rd, was riding high after his stunning upset over world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament. However, Sinner demonstrated resilience by breaking back in the fourth game and subsequently taking the tenth game to secure the first set.
The second set was tightly contested, with neither player managing to break serve until the 12th game. In that pivotal moment, Sinner delivered a powerful winner to clinch the match and earn his spot in the final. After the match, Sinner acknowledged Machac's confidence and powerful play, stating, "It was very tough... I tried to stay there mentally... I'm very happy about how I'm fighting at the moment."
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