Sinner brush past Machac, becomes first Italian to reach Shanghai final

World No.1 Jannik Sinner, impressive 2024 season continued with an outstanding victory against Tomas Machac.

Sinner defeated Tomas Machac in straight sets to become first Italian player to reach the finals of Rolex Shanghai Masters on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Italian and World no.1 who improved to 44-4 for the season on the surface the season, defeated his Czech Republic’s opponent Tomas Machac 6-4, 7-5 in the first semi-finals under one-hour and 44 minutes.

“I think we all saw how much talent he has, how much firepower he can produce,” said Sinner, when asked if Machac’s quarter-final upset against Carlos Alcaraz had impacted his own preparations for facing the Czech. “I had to be very careful in every service game, because he returns very aggressively and very fast.

“I just tried to stay there every point, to see what was going to happen, like you saw in the last game. Just playing every point with the maximum intensity I could, so I’m very happy about that. I’m happy to be back in a final again.”

By clinching victory, Sinner simultaneously earned a slice of tennis history. His win against Machac ensured he will finish the season with ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours. He is the first Italian to achieve that feat.

Jannik Sinner is now 54-0 against players outside the Top 20 dating back to the 2023 US Open.

Sinner, who has now won 64 matches this season will now await the winner between four-time champion Novak Djokovic and American Taylor Fritz in the championship match on Sunday.