Jannik Sinner kickstarted his ATP Finals campaign with a resounding win over Alex de Minaur. Playing in his first competitive match in over a month, Sinner overcame early struggles to win convincingly 6-3, 6-4. While there were many positives to take away from the match, one particularly impressive forehand stood out.
Though the final score may have suggested that it was a comfortable victory, the Italian did not always have it easy. Sinner looked a bit rusty in the beginning, and his slow start was clearly evident to everyone. Losing his serve in the third game of the match acted as a wake-up call for the 23-year-old, who was unstoppable from that point forward as de Minaur struggled to keep pace with him.
What began as a promising encounter soon turned into a one-sided contest. But still, the game had several memorable moments. None more so than the sixth game, when de Minaur’s resilience was tested to the limits. Serving at 3-2, the Australian found it difficult to gain the upper hand against Sinner. The Italian soon unleashed two powerful forehands.
Running to his left, de Minaur somehow kept the first one in play, but he was helpless against the next forehand that was hit on the opposite side.
The 101 mph forehand winner not only left the crowd shellshocked but also the fans on social media. However, it wasn’t all praise for Sinner.
The transfer of energy on those forehands is unreal
— Mathias Degardin (@_CoachMathias) November 11, 2024
Forza Jannik monster forehand indeed
— mercedes carreras (@mercede71619576) November 11, 2024
I guess Fritz didn’t play earlier and oh two doubles matches. But let’s post unappealing tennis constantly ♀️ the establishment never sleeps when promoting their number 1 boy pic.twitter.com/315z6DBWaa
— Corporate TennisBish (@Princess0937) November 10, 2024
Yeah… steroids will do that.
— Daniel Bastaja (@kupac1) November 10, 2024
Hmmm, I wonder where all his new found power is coming from? Oh, wait….
— Βύρωνας (@Brnas05576799) November 11, 2024
Though fans’ opinions were divided, de Minaur could only speak highly of the man he faced in his first ATP Tour finals match.
de Minaur praises Sinner’s ball speed and serve
Since Sinner had missed the Paris Masters due to illness, many wondered whether he would be fully ready for the opener in Turin. De Minaur tried to take advantage of this situation by making a quick start, but it did not work for long. Having seen Sinner’s game up close, the Australian showered praise on his opponent.
“I knew I had my work cut out. I thought I started well, then I kind of slipped away. I just couldn’t sustain the level that I needed today to beat Jannik. His ball speed, in my eyes, is so much higher than basically the rest of the people. From both sides he’s solid. He keeps on improving. He’s improved his serve so much throughout the years,” said De Minaur.
Regardless of the outside noise, Sinner continues to shine on the court. With the year-end No.1 spot sealed, he will be eager to secure his first ATP Finals trophy. The home favorite plays Taylor Fritz in what is set to be a tantalising rematch of the US Open 2024 final in Turin. The match is set to take place on Wednesday, not before 3.30 PM ET and will be LIVE on Tennis Channel.
