Sinner - Foto: Instagram Corienne Dubreuil | ATP Tour

Sinner defeats Medvedev to reach ATP Finals semifinals in Turin

by · Mix Vale

Jannik Sinner secured a significant victory against Daniil Medvedev, demonstrating his consistency with a 6-3, 6-4 win on Turin’s central court. This victory allowed Sinner to secure his place in the semifinals of the 2024 ATP Finals, remaining undefeated in the group stage. In a highly anticipated match, the Italian displayed precision and control that proved difficult for former champion Medvedev to overcome.

The match took place on November 14, 2024, at 4:30 PM local time at the Centre Court in Turin. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Sinner maintained control throughout, neutralizing Medvedev’s attacks and confirming his semifinal berth.

Sinner’s dominant performance against Medvedev

From the outset, Sinner showed his determination to set the pace and control the game. He excelled in several areas, especially in service performance and break point conversion. Sinner converted three of five break points, while Medvedev managed to capitalize on just one of two chances, highlighting the challenges he faced against Sinner’s defense. Sinner’s consistent first serve success rate of 82% played a crucial role in his win, while Medvedev’s 71% was respectable but not enough to match Sinner’s precision in key moments.

Overall, Sinner scored 58 points to Medvedev’s 43, with a significant lead in both service games and total points won. Sinner’s success in his service games—winning nine to Medvedev’s six—was a defining factor. The Italian also managed an eight-point streak, showcasing his ability to maintain dominance under pressure.

Match statistics between Sinner and Medvedev

  • Aces: Sinner recorded 4, while Medvedev had 6.
  • First serve success rate: Sinner achieved 57%, Medvedev 67%.
  • Break points: Sinner converted 3 of 5, while Medvedev succeeded in 1 of 2.
  • Games won: Sinner won 12, while Medvedev secured 7.
  • Return points: Sinner scored 20 return points, while Medvedev managed 11.

These figures reflect Sinner’s control over the game, displaying effective serving and strong defense. The Italian’s strategy successfully destabilized Medvedev by capitalizing on errors in Medvedev’s second serve, where the Russian had a mere 41% success rate compared to Sinner’s 71%.

Sinner’s campaign at the 2024 ATP Finals

Prior to his decisive match against Medvedev, Sinner had achieved impressive wins in the group stage. He defeated Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz with strong performances, demonstrating consistency and his ability to meet the demands of the ATP Finals. These results underscore Sinner’s excellent form and position him as a favorite for the title, especially with the advantage of home-court support.

The Italian’s undefeated run in the group stage marks a significant career milestone, proving his skill against top-level opponents. The ATP Finals is known for its elite competition, and Sinner’s success is a testament to his technical and mental growth. With his victory over Medvedev, he now heads to the semifinals as a standout competitor.

Medvedev’s performance and tournament journey

Medvedev, known for his resilience and 2020 ATP Finals championship win, had a challenging time in this year’s tournament. After a victory against Alex de Minaur, he struggled in his next matches, including a defeat to Taylor Fritz before facing Sinner. Despite showcasing his skills, particularly with his serve, Medvedev found it difficult to maintain consistency in his matches.

Throughout the ATP Finals, Medvedev fell short of the high standard that previously led him to the title. Although he had a favorable head-to-head record against Sinner, the Italian took advantage of crucial points and broke Medvedev’s serve. This defeat marked the end of Medvedev’s campaign, highlighting his performance fluctuations during this season.

Sinner vs. Medvedev rivalry history

This ATP Finals match between Sinner and Medvedev adds another chapter to their ongoing rivalry. Over the past seven years, they have faced each other 15 times, with Sinner earning his seventh victory over the Russian. In 2024 alone, Sinner had crucial victories against Medvedev, including at the US Open and the ATP Shanghai, demonstrating his recent dominance in their matchups.

This rivalry has become a focal point in the professional circuit, offering fans high-stakes and high-skill matches. While Medvedev previously held the upper hand, Sinner has adapted well to his opponent’s style, using agility and precision to unsettle Medvedev. This latest encounter reaffirms Sinner’s rise in the tennis world and his ability to compete with the best.

Impact of Sinner’s win on world rankings

Sinner’s win at the ATP Finals has direct implications for his position in the world rankings. Securing another high-stakes victory reinforces his place among the world’s best players, moving him closer to the top of the ATP rankings. This achievement represents a major milestone, particularly in a year marked by Sinner’s remarkable progress and consistency.

Conversely, Medvedev may see his ranking impacted after accumulating losses in the tournament. The Russian’s early exit means a potential drop in points, affecting his year-end standing. For Sinner, the ATP Finals provides a valuable opportunity to end the year on a high note, strengthening his presence in the rankings and positioning himself as a major force for the upcoming season.

Key factors behind Sinner’s performance

  1. Serve efficiency: Sinner’s 82% success rate on first serves highlighted his control and precision.
  2. Break point conversion: Sinner capitalized on Medvedev’s serve, breaking at critical junctures.
  3. Consistency: Sinner’s ability to maintain focus and rhythm was pivotal.
  4. Home crowd support: Playing in Italy, Sinner benefited from the crowd’s enthusiastic backing.
  5. Emotional control: Sinner’s calm and focus under pressure were critical to his success.
  6. Recent victories over Medvedev: Recent wins gave Sinner a psychological advantage.
  7. Adaptability: Sinner’s ability to adjust to the ATP Finals conditions showcased his preparation.

Sinner’s preparation and next steps

With his spot in the semifinals secure, Sinner now shifts his focus to maintaining his momentum and consistency. His team will likely emphasize physical recovery after three intense group-stage matches, alongside strategic preparations for his next opponent, who may present different challenges than Medvedev. Success at the ATP Finals requires meticulous planning, and Sinner has proven he’s ready to meet the demands of this prestigious tournament.

The upcoming match will be decisive in Sinner’s quest for the ATP Finals title. The confidence gained from previous victories is a significant asset as the Italian prepares for his next challenge. Winning this tournament on home soil would be a career milestone, securing his status on the circuit and creating a memorable season finale.

Looking ahead at the ATP Finals

With Medvedev’s elimination, attention turns to the semifinals and the final lineup. In addition to Sinner, top players such as Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz are also vying for the title, setting up a competitive and thrilling showdown. The mix of seasoned players and emerging talents promises high-caliber matches, captivating tennis fans worldwide and ensuring an exciting tournament conclusion.