Jannik Sinner clinched the year-end world No 1 men’s tennis ranking after defeating Czech 30th seed Tomas Machac 6-4, 7-5 in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals. This achievement caps off a remarkable year for the Italian, who has won two grand slam titles. Machac initially showed promise by winning the first two games, but Sinner quickly found his rhythm, turning the set around and closing it out in 44 minutes as Machac's errors began to mount. Sinner, just 23 years old, proved too consistent for his opponent, committing only nine unforced errors as he secured his 64th win of the year.
Sinner’s stellar season includes victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. He is the first Italian to end the year as world No 1 and the first man from his country to reach the final in Shanghai. “It’s something you dream of as a kid,” Sinner said. “To reach the number one spot is incredible, but to have the year-end ranking is a different and special feeling.” Sinner will now face Novak Djokovic in the final, after Djokovic defeated seventh-seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6(6) to inch closer to his 100th ATP title.
In the Wuhan Open, reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka rallied from a shaky start to defeat Coco Gauff 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in their semi-final. Sabalenka, 26, now has the opportunity to win the tournament for a third consecutive time, which was last held in 2018. Gauff, who has recently made adjustments with new coach Matt Daly, struggled with 21 double faults, allowing Sabalenka to capitalize after losing the first set. Sabalenka will face Zheng Qinwen in the final, after Qinwen overcame compatriot Wang Xinyu in the all-Chinese semi-final.
