"Need to confirm everything I had done well": Jannik Sinner admits needing confirmation Novak Djokovic win was no fluke by defeating Holger Rune

Jannik Sinner admits he needed to back up his victory over Novak Djokovic which was the stand-out moment of the ATP Finals so far in his home country as he has given the Turin faithful something to really shout about this week.

Sinner saw off Holger Rune in three sets on Thursday night in the dead rubber of the group, but also one that carried consequences at the ATP Finals regarding his last opponent.

If Rune would've won, Djokovic would have been the biggest casualty so far. But he now joins Sinner in the semi-finals, as others still involved would've been rooting for the Dane to prevail.

But for Sinner, he admitted that it was very much important to back up his win over Djokovic and show that it wasn't a fluke by also beating a player that he had never beaten in Holger Rune which he did in superb fashion. The superb week continues for Sinner and he could yet face Djokovic again in what will be a repeat or revenge affair.

"I felt some pain in the second set, but then it disappeared. It was in a specific movement, but really everything is fine in my body. I never thought about having to retire or anything like that. For me, it was very important to win this match because I needed to confirm everything I had done well against Novak," said Sinner.

"I had never beaten Holger & it was clear that it was going to be a great battle. It is fantastic to have been able to win, he is a great player & serves great. This is an important victory for me & I know I have a great opportunity to do something important on Saturday. It’s a privilege to be in the semifinals of this tournament, & even more so taking place in Italy. I like to have some pressure. I am enjoying it & I just hope to continue with this level of tennis.”