Not at his sharp best but Jannik Sinner moves through in perfect ATP Finals round-robin

Jannik Sinner wasn't at his sharpest but still produced a straight sets victory to complete a perfect round robin in Turin at the ATP Finals as he stays on course for a final with Carlos Alcaraz on home soil.

The World No.2 who watched as Carlos Alcaraz was awarded the Year End World No.1 at the ATP Finals sent down his own statement as despite not being at his best he managed to see off Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(3) ending the season of Shelton in the process.

Sinner struggled to find his rhythm on serve but he absorbed Shelton's challenge and despite the American still being eliminated he didn't give up in his charge against the Italian. But it was Sinner who extended his winning streak to 29 matches on the indoor hard courts.

Sinner had already secured top spot in the Bjorn Borg group and with Carlos Alcaraz already advancing, a potential championship showdown between the pair awaits if they win their semi-finals. Who awaits for Sinner? A certain Alex de Minaur while Alcaraz who topped the other group will soon know his fate as he faces the winner of the showdown between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime (the victor wins through to the semi-finals, the loser goes home).

Shelton was full of trepidation to begin but he surged in the second with his serve on full show. The 23-year-old dropped just two of 18 service points during the opening nine games of the set. But after saving a match point on serve at 4-5, Sinner overpowered him in the tie-break. Sinner seized control with a serious of clean approaches to seal his eighth Head-to-Head win against the American. He now sits at 8-1. He has won eight consecutive matches at the season finale without dropping a set.

Asked about what the best thing surrounding his tennis this week was. “It’s tough to say. I think when you come here and win all 3 round robin matches you have to play some great tennis, a very high level.. Which I’ve done. I felt like serving very well in important moments brought me to this point," said Sinner. "Again, it was a truly special, special day playing in front of the home crowd. Against Ben, it’s a very tough challenge. You have to take the little chances you have. When he gets out with a huge serve you cannot do a lot. So you have to accept it, trying to never give up, which I’ve done. The mental aspect was great until now. Let’s see what’s coming tomorrow.”

He was also asked about Alex de Minaur and him going froma. dark place to reaching the semi-finals and his thoughts on him ahead of their tie. “First, I’m very happy for him. When you have these kind of losses that he had against Lorenzo it’s very tough. Props to him to come back with such an incredible performance. One of the best matches I’ve seen him play.. against Taylor. I have to be very careful. He doesn’t have a lot to lose. I have a lot to lose. It’s gonna be very difficult. From my point of view I’m very happy to be in the semis. It’s a special occasion for me. Hopefully I can show some good tennis. We all hope for a couple of great semifinals. Then we see whatever comes out.”