ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner demolishes Casper Ruud to set up title showdown against Taylor Fritz | Tennis News

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-2 at the ATP Finals in Turin, setting up a title showdown with Taylor Fritz.

Sinner put on a show on Saturday night to dash Ruud’s hopes and set up a rematch with American Fritz, whom he defeated again in the US Open final and Tuesday’s group stage.

“I felt like I was returning really well in the first game, and going into the break I tried to focus on my service game,” Sinner said in an on-court interview.

“I had a few break points in the first set, but luckily I was able to get through. I tried to raise my level and go pretty hard. I’m happy with my performance. , I’m happy to be in the finals.”

“The situation is very similar, [Taylor Fritz] It has already been played in a round-robin format and will be played again in the final.

“I’m just going to play my best tomorrow. Anything can happen. I’m really happy to be back here. I’ve grown as a player since last year.”

“It’s been a very positive week and year, so I’m really happy.”

“Demolition work”

“An absolute ball-striking masterclass from Jannik Sinner. His level of play, consistency and quality alone gives a world-class player like Ruud no chance at all,” said Tim Henman. sky sports tennis.

“Complete destruction will be completed in one hour and six minutes.

“I’m just going into tomorrow’s final against Taylor Fritz full of confidence.”

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Fritz defeats Zverev to advance to ATP Finals title match

Fritz defeated world No. 2 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) in a tense semifinal showdown, becoming the first American to reach the final in 18 years.

Fritz easily dominated the first set, but Zverev fought back in the second to pull away.

During a thrilling match that went into a deciding set tie-break, the pair engaged in an incredible rally, the longest of which was 32 shots.

Fritz, 27, took an early lead and boldly finished off Zverev on his first match point with an inside-out forehand winner, making it the first elite eight-a-side tournament since James Blake lost to Roger Federer in the 2006 final. He became the first American finalist.

The last American to win this trophy was Pete Sampras in 1999.

“The second and third sets were tough,” said Fritz, who surprisingly battled Zverev from the baseline. “I think I played an almost perfect first set. I felt great, but when you play against a player like Sasha, things can change quickly.” [Alexander Zverev].

“When I tried to be aggressive, I didn’t feel like it helped much, so I just told myself to stay strong and not give him anything.

“The big thing is I believe in my game and my level. I don’t feel uncomfortable and I’m playing against top players in big events. I’m really confident in my game. have.”

“I think the last few times I played with him I felt really good with that pattern. I love my backhand and I don’t want to change my game depending on who I play.

“I wanted to be aggressive in that rally because I believed I could do well. I want to play exactly the same way I played in the first set.” [in the final]. ”

Henman: Fritz has leveled up.

“It was a great match. Fritz got off to a very good start and his serve was impressive, but Zverev seemed frustrated,” Henman said.

“There was a change in the second set as Zverev put pressure on the scoreboard, but the third set was close from start to finish.

“They had an unbelievable backhand exchange, and the reason why Fritz came out on top was by a close margin.

“Even in the last few months, Fritz has raised his level, learned a lot about himself and has confidence in himself to be aggressive.

“There were some moments where I didn’t think Sascha could step forward and play the way he wanted. In the tiebreak he was a little bit passive with his forehand, but that was something he didn’t already know. I don’t think so.”

“I think he can win a Slam tournament, but he won’t win if he plays like that. He needs to be ready for that challenge.”

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What’s happening in Sunday’s ATP Finals on Sky Sports Tennis?

• World No. 1 Jannik Sinner reached the ATP Tour final for the ninth time this year after making consecutive finals in Turin. He has won 25 of his last 26 games.

• The top seed is also the first player to reach the final without dropping a set since Novak Djokovic, who won the tournament a record seven times in 2018.

• The Italian will face Taylor Fritz, who is looking to become the first American winner of the season-ending extravaganza since the legendary Pete Sampras won the title in 1999.

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