Italy’s own carrot-top sportsman, Jannik Sinner, has been a force of immense mastery for opponents to reckon with over the past few years. Ever since he sprung up on the professional scene in 2018, Jannik has steadily risen the ranks to his current ranking of world no. 4 and has built a strong following, as evidenced by his travelling ‘carrot’ fans.
Jannik hasn’t won a grand slam yet but has won ATP Masters titles. In the ongoing Davis Cup Finals, the 22-year-old was in fine form as he eclipsed expectations and obtained revenge on an indomitable opponent, breaking a record in the process.
Sinner joins elite company by beating top-ranked opponents
Jannik Sinner’s 2023 season has been nothing short of spectacular, as he reached a grand slam semifinal, won his first Masters, and became world no. 4 for the first time in his career. He also beat multiple world No. 1 players (Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz), a feat that added a feather to his cap in terms of records achieved.
With his latest win at the Davis Cup Finals semifinal stage against Djokovic, Sinner achieved 10 wins over players who are ranked either first, second, third, fourth or fifth.
He has beaten a top-five player 10 times this season alone, a remarkable feat that many rarely achieve in their entire career.
He joins an elite and small list of active players who have accomplished this feat, as only Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have beaten top-five players 10 times. Many retired players like Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl, among others, have done the same as well.
Jannik Sinner has been on a roll since exiting the US Open in the round of 16 stage, winning the Shanghai Open and the Vienna Open. In the Nitto ATP Finals, Sinner took centre court as a home favourite and had the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of the crowd in Turin and against a world No. 1 champion.
Jannik Sinner ended Djokovic’s winning streak with thrilling victory
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic had met twice before their meeting in Turin and the Serb had won both of their matches. In addition, Djokovic was recently crowned world no. 1 and had the opportunity to seal a record eight years at the top of the ATP rankings during the ATP Finals.
With odds stacked against the Italian, Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time as he secured a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) victory in a cool, winter afternoon in the north-western city of Italy.
Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic’s run of victories, which stood at 19-0 before their match and provided a bright start to the tournament for the 22-year-old. It was apt that Sinner smashed home a winner to seal his victory, as the Italian’s offensive play was expertly juxtaposed by Djokovic’s defensive maneouvers.
Sinner would beat Holger Rune later on to qualify for the semifinal, where he beat Daniil Medvedev. In a tale of revenge, Novak Djokovic would return the favour to Sinner in the final as he secured his seventh Nitto ATP Finals title—a record.
What are your opinions on Jannik Sinner’s incredible success and records broken this year? Let us know in the comments section below.
