ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner Sets Up Final Against Taylor Fritz

 

Jannik Sinner is in his second successive final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and that set him up with Taylor Fritz, for their second encounter this season since US Open final in September. 

To reach the final, both players finished atop their respective groups and Taylor rallied past former champion, Alexander Zverev in three sets 6-3 3-6 7-6(3) in the semi-final. In a separate match, Casper Ruud did not stand any chance with the world no 1, lost humbly in straight set 6-1 6-2. 

Last year, Jannik missed out on winning his maiden trophy at the year-ending tournament, losing to Novak Djokovic in final. However, this season had been a payback for Jannik as he defeated the Serbian at the Shanghai Masters to deny him the quest for his 100th ATP singles title. The week after, Jannik again defeated Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam final of the exhibition tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

"He's strong because he plays long matches and has no problem," Taylor admitted about meeting Jannik. "When you look at him, he doesn't necessarily look like a body builder, you know? 

Reaching the final is really a milestone for Taylor as he becomes the first American to play in the final of Nitto ATP Finals since 2006. Similarly, should Jannik win the title, he will be the youngest player to lift the season-ending trophy. 

Already, Jannik has won seven ATP titles this season amongst which was US Open and three Masters 1000, topping the streak up with the eighth in Turin would be his most trophy-laddened season of his career. Obviously, he is set to close the season maintaining his ATP world ranking.