Jannik Sinner is into a third-straight final at the ATP Finals, having yet to drop serve on his way.
It has been a majestic week of tennis from the Italian, but the kind to which we have become scarily accustomed to.
At present, it only really feels like there is one person on the planet who can actually challenge the former world number one.
Ironically, Jannik Sinner discussed that potential showdown in his on-court interview, whilst also admitting he did not have it all his own way against Alex de Minaur.
Jannik Sinner reacts to reaching the final of the ATP Finals
Speaking to Tennis Channel, Sinner began by praising his opponent, who pushed him hard in that first set.
“Yeah, it was very difficult, of course,” he began. “I felt like he was serving very well, especially at important moments. In the first set, I struggled a bit to return his serve today, but, you know, in the second set, I raised my level, I felt more confident on the court, and I’m obviously very happy.
“It has been a very tough, tough day for me, but at the same time, amazing atmosphere as always here and I’m very happy to be again in the final here.”
Then asked whether he’d prefer to face Felix Auger-Aliassime or Carlos Alcaraz in the grand finale, Sinner admitted: “Yeah, I mean, of course [he’d want to play Alcaraz], but, you know, at the same time, I’ve played against Felix earlier this week and he’s an incredible player, you know, so huge respect to Felix, you know, it’s going to be a great match. You know, whoever wins, I’m happy, I’m happy to play. You know, I’m happy to be in the final.
“I’m happy to play the last match of the season in front of this beautiful crowd, and whoever is going to be on the other side, I will try my best, as always, and, you know, whoever plays better tomorrow deserves to win.
“In any case, it has been an amazing, amazing year, and for me, this year, finishing here in Turin with another final, it’s really special. So let’s see who it’s going to be, but yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I feel ready to go.”
In winning this match, Sinner has surpassed Pete Sampras and Roger Federer in a key area, as he continues to cement his legacy.
Alex de Minaur’s very best tennis wasn’t enough to beat Jannik Sinner
It must be horribly demoralising for De Minaur, and many players at his level, to have witnessed today’s match.
After all, particularly in the first set, the 26-year-old played some of the best tennis of his career.
He was bold and brave, and hit his shots with venom. He went toe-to-toe with the second-best player in the world, and nearly dragged him to a tiebreak.
However, even his very best wasn’t enough to sneak the opening set, and once Sinner stole that from De Minaur, the result was set. Fatigue set in, and he fell to a straight-sets loss.
The world number two is just that good, and it will take something truly special to stop him in the final of the ATP Finals and throughout 2026 again.
