Jannik Sinner’s semi-final demolition job delights home crowds in Turin
It was hard not to feel the love from Italian fans cheering and singing along to encourage their countryman Jannik Sinner.
The euphoric feeling in the Inalpi Stadium this afternoon was compelling.
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It was hard not to feel the love from Italian fans cheering and singing along to encourage their countryman Jannik Sinner.
The blue-lit stadium was dotted with accents of ‘carota’ orange, thanks to fans wearing the colour that has now affectionately been associated with the Italian.
Also in attendance were former World Cup winner Giorgio Chiellini, and former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, championing their compatriot.
They were all thoroughly rewarded, as they watched the world No 1 dismantle Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-2 with effortless intensity, to clinch a place in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, tomorrow.
Never any doubt
Sinner provided a masterclass in ball striking.
There was never any doubt, as he took full control right from the start, hitting the ball flat, deep and aggressive.
Whilst his forehand is often lauded, it is his two-handed backhand which he spectacularly hits with full topspin rpm, that has now become Sinner’s signature.
The match was over in one hour and six minutes, and the stats speak volumes.
Jannik Sinner produced 23 winners with just nine unforced errors.
By contrast, Ruud managed 10 winners with a total of 14 unforced errors.
Sinner had 55 out of 85 total points won, versus Ruud’s 30 out of 85.
At the post-match press conference, Ruud reflected on the loss, describing how it felt to be on a receiving end of that intensity.
“Every kind of groundstroke feels like rockets are thrown at you. That’s tough.”
He also acknowledged that his serve was under par, and that Sinner played exceptionally in both offensive and defensive approaches.
Interestingly, Ruud compared Sinner’s intensity with Novak Djokovic’s.
“Jannik hits a faster ball than Novak. He doesn’t let you breathe. With Novak you can play rallies.
“Not going to say easier to play Novak because he’s the best in the history.
“At least with Novak you can play more rallies and not be terrified of Novak ripping, like, a bomb down the line or cross-court or these things”.
Jannik Sinner was ‘pleased’
Sinner was confident and pleased with his performance.
“I’m happy again to be in this position. It’s a very special occasion. Sundays in each tournament means that you had a great, great week…
“Hopefully I’m going to enjoy tomorrow, and we see what’s coming out.”
Jannik Sinner faces Taylor Fritz in a final showdown tomorrow – the same match-up as that for the US Open final in 2024.
The Nitto ATP Finals match is scheduled for 18:00 (local time).
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin