Novak Djokovic denied 100th title as Jannik Sinner wins Shanghai Masters final - result and live reaction
The World No 1 won his seventh tournament of the year to deny Djokovic his place in the century club with a 7-6 6-3 victory in China
Jannik Sinner denied Novak Djokovic the 100th title of his career with victory in the Shanghai Masters final as the World No 1 claimed his third win in a row against the 24-time grand slam champion.
Djokovic, 37, was bidding to become just the third man in the Open era to reach a century of titles after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, who was sat in the crowd next to Carlos Alcaraz.
But Sinner, 23, continued his dominant run of form on the hard courts by winning his third ATP 1000 tournament of the year, edging a close final 7-6 (4) 6-3 in one hour and 36 minutes.
The first set was dominated by serve but the Australian Open and US Open champion elevated his game to win the tiebreak, as Djokovic coughed up a key error at the net to hand Sinner set points.
And the Italian pressed his advantage into the second as he broke Djokovic for the first time in the match with a stunning forehand winner.
Sinner remained solid on serve, not facing a single break point all match, as he closed out his seventh title of the year to deny Djokovic a slice of tennis history.
Follow the reaction from the Shanghai Masters final in our live blog, below.
Game, set and match! Jannik Sinner 7-6 6-3 Novak Djokovic
There was almost stunned silence in the Shanghai crowd as Sinner served out victory. The World No 1 looked so dominant against Djokovic, who was unable to offer any fightback after falling a break behind in the second set.
Djokovic, at 37, will surely still think he has another chance to join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in reaching 100 titles.
But Sinner has put together a brilliant season. This is his seventh title of the year, which includes two grand slams and now a third ATP 1000 title.
Novak Djokovic 6-7 3-6 Jannik Sinner
ACE FROM SINNER! He is the Shanghai Masters champion!
WOW. Djokovic dispatched 7-6 6-3!
Novak Djokovic 6-7 3-5 Jannik Sinner*
I remember when Sinner defeated Djokovic twice in two weeks at the end of last season and thinking how big it would be for his mentality coming into 2024.
Now a two-time grand slam champion, he doesn’t look like choking in situations like this, even against a great champion like Djokovic.
Sinner remains steady on serve, as Djokoivc fires a return long. Another big serve from Sinner out wide, and he follows it with the drive volley on the forehand, catching the line!
TWO Championship points for Sinner .
Novak Djokovic 6-7 3-5 Jannik Sinner*
It’s all or nothing for Djokovic now but he ticks off the first couple of points on serve as the crowd rallies in support.
A love-hold in fact, for Djokovic, as Sinner nets on the backhand return. Over to the Italian....
*Novak Djokovic 6-7 2-5 Jannik Sinner
Djokovic raises his arms to the sky after a wild forehand miss. Sinner is cruising now, the Italian firing a huge forehand winner to move to 40-0.
Another big backhand miss from Djokovic and Sinner moves a game away. The Italian needs just one more hold, and he’s not faced a break point all match.
Novak Djokovic 6-7 2-4 Jannik Sinner*
Djokovic is trying to hold on. There’s not a great deal of emotion from the 37-year-old who knows he’s up against a supreme opponent in the young Italian.
Sinner forces 40-30 with a forehand on the stretch, returning with great power. But Sinner nets on the backhand return. Hold for the Serbian.
*Novak Djokovic 6-7 1-4 Jannik Sinner
Djokovic with an awful forehand miss after being drawn into midcourt by Sinner. The Italian holds on 40-30 with a big first serve and forehand strike. He moves two games away.
Novak Djokovic 6-7 1-3 Jannik Sinner* - Sinner breaks!
Ooh. Another chance for Sinner here as Djokovic comes into the net and the Italian produces the backhand pass down the line.
0-30. Djokovic blasts his way through the Sinner defence on the forehand. But here comes the first break points of the match!
Sinner lands a fierce backhand down low and Djokovic coughs up the error on the volley! Djokovic saves the first with an ace.
Can he save the second? WINNER FROM SINNER! WOW! Shot of the match from the World No 1! Djokovic pushed him wide but Sinner fired the forehand winner down the line!
Stunning! Sinner breaks!
*Novak Djokovic 6-7 1-2 Jannik Sinner
Sinner emerges from an error-strewn game, holding against Djokovic after being taken to 40-30. Sinner landed a crosscourt forehand onto the line as Djokovic pushed his return long.
Still yet to see a break point, but we’re getting closer!
Novak Djokovic 6-7 1-1 Jannik Sinner*
Sinner senses his opportunity. On 40-30, the World No 1 jumps on the Djokovic second serve and takes the return early, forcing the miss. Djokovic was comfortable at 40-0 but faces deuce for the first time in his match.
Sinner, though, nets on the running backhand before Djokovic gets out of trouble. He lands the first serve and then puts the forehand winner behind Sinner, who is frustrated at not being able to bring up break point.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments