ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner delivers a masterclass against Casper Ruud, one step closer from the crown

Another commanding victory for Jannik Sinner, who dismantled Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-2. The World No. 1 continues his dominant run, matching his 2023 result by reaching the final. In the championship match, he will face Taylor Fritz, who defeated Alexander Zverev.

The Italian star remains untouchable. Playing at an almost invincible level, it took him just over an hour to secure the three breaks that led to his triumph. Despite Ruud’s resilience and the adjustments he tried throughout the match, they were not enough to trouble Sinner.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion set the tone from the start, dominating with his serve and breaking Ruud in his first service game, winning 12 of the first 15 points in just 11 minutes. With a 3-0 lead, the match quickly became an uphill battle for Ruud.

In the fifth game, Ruud had an opportunity to claw back with two break points. The World No. 7 created good chances by exposing Sinner at the net, but he couldn’t capitalise on either. These were the only brief lapses from the Italian, as Ruud showed grit and personality despite the pressure.

Ruud’s momentum was short-lived. Sinner survived a tough service game, broke Ruud again on his second chance, and sealed the set 6-1 with an impressive 79% of points won on his first serve, compared to Ruud’s meagre 33%.

Ruud started stronger, improving his first-serve points won. However, Sinner’s shots increasingly overpowered him, and fatigue began to show at 2-2. Ruud received a time violation as he struggled to recover, just before Sinner broke him again to secure a commanding position. From there, Sinner maintained control to close out the match.

It was clear that, with everything against him, Ruud succumbed to the pressure of a growing Italian crowd and a Sinner who didn't drop his level. The Italian secured two consecutive breaks, and on his first match point, he sealed a comfortable victory 6-1, 6-2 against a resilient opponent who was completely overwhelmed in all aspects of the game.

In the final, he will face Taylor Fritz once again, whom he already defeated in the Round Robin. The American surprised Alexander Zverev in a closely contested match that was decided by details in the third-set tie-break (6-3, 3-6, 7-6). Sinner defeated Fritz just a few days ago in the second match of the Ilie Nastase Group, practically giving no chances to the American as he claimed the victory 6-4, 6-4.