Jannik Sinner ends ‘great year’ with guaranteed ATP top 10 status
Despite being denied the last four of the ATP Finals in front of his home fans, Jannik Sinner has ensured a top 10 finish to 2021.
Entering the ATP Finals, the 20-year-old Italian was ranked 11th, two spots below his career-high of nine achieved at the start of November.
He sat at 3108 ranking points, 158 points behind Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
However, after clinching one match win against Hubert Hurkacz at the aTP Finals, Sinner gained 200 ranking points, pushing back ahead of Auger-Aliassime.
With no more ATP events in 2021, Sinner is now certain to finish the year ranked 10th in the world.
“It was a great year for sure,” Sinner said after at tight loss to world number two Daniil Medvedev in his final match in Turin.
“[There were] a lot of highlights and playing here especially, it was a great feeling. I grew as a player, but also as a person, which for me is very important.
“I think it was a great season and whether someone [would have] expected it or not, I don’t know.
“But when you are, I think I started the year [at number] 37 and finishing [in the] top 10, it’s great.
“For me, it’s a big pleasure to be one of these incredible players.”
Sinner was not guaranteed any play at the ATP Finals. After finishing ninth in the Race to Turin, he was first alternate for the tournament.
But when fellow countryman Matteo Berrettini was forced to withdraw due to injury, Sinner took advantage to go 1-1 at the event.
“On the other hand, I know what I have to improve,” Sinner added about his experience.
“My team knows that as well, so it’s going to be interesting next year. But I don’t want to rush, that’s for me the main goal.
“I’m 20, next year I’m 21, there’s still many, many years that I can play on the tour.
“It can give me a lot of confidence for the next year, in one way. I know I have still to improve many things.
“Now we have time to do that, especially physically, and then we will see next year what’s coming.”
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