Jannik Sinner win in Sofia sees him one step closer to ATP Finals

Jannik Sinner has leapt over a close rival in the race to qualify for the season-ending event for only the most elite ATP stars.

The Italian is the number one seed and defending champion at the ATP 250 event in Bulgaria. He has now made the semi-finals after overcoming James Duckworth 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

With the victory, Sinner has now overtaken fellow youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime in the ‘Race to Turin’, the rankings race to qualify for the ATP Finals.

Sinner won the under-21 equivalent, the Next Gen ATP Finals, as the Italian wildcard in 2019 while ranked 93 in the world.

The 20-year-old has since climbed up to a career-high ranking of world number 14, closing in on a spot in Turin.

Eyes on Turin 👀

By reaching in the semi finals in Sofia, @janniksin moves into the Top 10 in the Race for the Nitto ATP Finals!

8. Hurkacz 2775
9. Ruud 2720
10. Sinner 2345
11. Auger-Aliassime 2320 pic.twitter.com/dYnRE0cUOq

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 1, 2021

“Today was a very tough match,” Sinner said after defeating Duckworth. “I lost the last one against him in Toronto, and he has been in a very positive [place].

“You know, winning Challengers, making a final last week, coming here, playing well.

“I’m very happy about my match today.”

Duckworth defeated Sinner in the second round of the Toronto Masters as a qualifier. The Australian world number 56 came into Sofia off the back of winning the Istanbul Challenger Ted Open and reaching a first career ATP final at the Astana Open in Kazakhstan.

“Playing here in Sofia once again is very special for me and to once again be in the semi-finals, I’m very proud of myself, knowing that tomorrow will be a very tough challenge.”

Sinner will likely face fifth seed and world number 37 Filip Krajinovic for a place in the final.