Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals debutant Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to dominate in his opening group match at the season finale.
It was the Italian’s first match at home this season after missing Rome last spring with injury. he has been off court for a month, last competing in China in October.
The flame-haired world No. 1 had the crowd completely in his hand as he raced through the opening set in 36 minutes and pounded out victory in 83 minutes.
Sinner is bidding to cap a breakthrough season with an eighth Tour title; he scored his eighth victory without a loss against de Minaur, sealing it on his eighth ace on the first of three match points..
“Considering (his lack of competition) I’m very happy,” the winner said. considering this I’m very happy. I started with some unforced errors, Alex was playing great.
“But I tried to stay in the match, stay strong mentally – I knew my tennis would arrive.
“I returned well but I need to improve my serve.”
He added: “The first match in Italy is great, especially with the crowd and their energy. I love playing at home, it’s a huge honour and I’m looking forward to the next match.”
The 22-year-old Italian extended his Masters 1000 win streak to seven matches as he follows on from his Shanghai title from October.
Sinner broke for 4-2 in the opening set and wrapped up the early lead on his first set point after recovering an early break in the third game.
The second set was halted for four minutes due to a medical incident in the stands, with de Minaur facing three break points; he saved them before Sinner broke for 3-2 on a fourth chance and galloped onto victory.
The Italian could become the third player to win the Australian and US Opens plus the year-end event after Roger Federer (2004, 2006-2007) and Novak Djokovic (2015, 2023).
De Minaur is the first Australian at the year-ender since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.
Djokovic, who qualified into the eight-man field, is skipping the event, citing injury.
Main photo:- Jannik Sinner gets off to a winning start in Turin – by ATPTour.com
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