By hannover-web.com On the evening of October 13, the 2024 ATP Shanghai Masters singles final took place, featuring a high-stakes matchup between world number one Jannik Sinner and four-time champion Novak Djokovic at the Qizhong Tennis Center. In a stunning display, Sinner emerged victorious with a final score of 2-0, capturing his first title at this event and marking his seventh championship win of the season.
This final showcased a thrilling clash between two generations of hard-court masters. Djokovic, who has an impressive 71 hard-court titles to his name, faced Sinner, who has claimed five hard-court titles this season alone. Both players arrived at the iconic Shanghai venue expecting to thrive.
For Djokovic, a victory would have meant his 100th career title, placing him among tennis legends like Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the exclusive “century club.” Conversely, Sinner, with a win, could level his head-to-head record against Djokovic by achieving a three-match winning streak.
The match pitted youthful energy against seasoned experience. While Sinner has consistently impressed this season, Djokovic has experienced some ups and downs. “This season, aside from Wimbledon and the Olympics, I haven’t been at my best,” Djokovic admitted. The 37-year-old Serbian has also battled injuries, needing a medical timeout during the semifinal the day prior.
The final marked the eighth clash between Djokovic and Sinner, with Djokovic holding a slight edge from their previous seven encounters—winning four and losing three. However, recent matchups have seen Sinner gaining the upper hand.
The first set was fiercely competitive, showcasing both players’ exceptional skills. Each held strong service games, leading to a tense tiebreak, where Sinner displayed remarkable composure and precision, ultimately winning the first set 7-6(4). In the second set, Sinner built on his momentum, seizing a crucial break and closing out the match 6-3.
Despite falling short of achieving his 100th title, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance in Shanghai. He noted, “This was my best match since the Olympics. I played well today, and Sinner’s serving has improved quickly. Competing against him gave me confidence that I can still compete with the best in the world. I aim to maintain this form. My love for tennis and desire to win continually drive me forward.”
Sinner reflected on his wonderful experience in Shanghai, particularly valuing the opportunity to compete against a tennis legend. Looking ahead, he stated, “Achieving success won’t change my core as a player. I plan to focus on my performance, ensuring I can handle more intense matches physically and remain composed mentally on various surfaces. I will definitely return to Shanghai to compete next year.”
