Jannik Sinner unstoppable in Turin: Zverev falls as World No. 1 books semifinal ticket

Jannik Sinner secured the win against Alexander Zverev in the second Round Robin match of the ATP Finals and guaranteed his place in the semi-finals. The Italian took the victory 6-4, 6-3 and ensured his passage to the semi-finals for the third consecutive year, in addition to reaching 28 consecutive wins on indoor hardcourts.

Sinner came into the match with a 5-4 advantage in their direct encounters, but with the added context of having beaten him in their previous 4 consecutive matches—including the three earlier this year. The World No. 1 maintains hope of finishing the year at the top of the rankings, as the head-to-head dispute with Carlos Alcaraz continues.

It was a match where Zverev perhaps felt closer than ever, with multiple opportunities to break his rival's service. However, the local player—supported by his crowd—was outstanding in pressure points and dashed all of Zverev's hopes every time the German looked like he might pull ahead.

The first game quickly took on epic proportions after Zverev earned two break points, but Sinner managed to save both occasions with aces. Amidst several long rallies, Sinner ended up taking a 9-minute game that offered him some tranquility after a shaky start to the match. Both players maintained their service without too many issues from there, reaching 4-4 with no break points for either of them.

However, the pressure moment was felt by Zverev, who faced 15-40 when he was down 4-5, conceding the first pair of set points to his opponent. Although he saved a couple of them, the World No. 1 finally showed his class to take the set on his third set point, 6-4.

One of the tactics Sinner repeatedly exploited during the first set was attacking Zverev's backhand and quickly approaching the net, winning 9/10 points when he came forward. The Italian totaled 15 winners against only 6 for the German, while Sinner committed just 1 unforced error against 4 for his rival.

The second set began with both players back on track with good first serves, maintaining equality at the start with no breaks. In the third game, Sinner had to save a 0-40 deficit but was commanding in making amends for his errors, again with good serves and a couple of net approaches that continued to trouble his rival. In the same manner, in the fifth game, Sinner saved a 6th break point against him for the match, while Zverev grew increasingly frustrated with the missed opportunities.

It was then that the 4-time major champion took control of the match, both physically and emotionally. After saving one last break point at 2-2, he took command of the match. The Italian secured the first break on his first chance—in the sixth game—and used his serve to take the lead to 5-2.

There was no room for Zverev to attempt a comeback, as the Italian was impeccable, closing out the victory with strong first serves, 6-4, 6-3, and guaranteeing his passage to the tournament semi-finals. It remains to be seen whether he finishes in first or second place, although winning just one set in his final match against Ben Shelton will be enough to secure the top spot in the group.