Jannik Sinner Defeats Novak Djokovic To Win Maiden Shanghai Masters

The world number 1, Jannik Sinner, defeated Novak Djokovic for his maiden Shanghai Masters title. He won the match in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-3 in an hour and 36 minutes. This marks his seventh title of the season, bringing his W-L record to an astonishing 65-6.

© Rolex Shanghai Masters / Frey

The two played a nail-biting first set without any breaks before the tie-break. The tie-break was less than ideal for Djokovic, as he decided to change things up a little and stopped playing shots that worked for him. Unfortunately, Djokovic made errors that Sinner took advantage of, and with a wide forehand return from the Serbian, Sinner won the first set. After a physical first set, the level from both players dropped. It was Sinner who took an early break to lead 3-1 and closed out the game with a final service ace. 

The finals was played in the presence of three other world number ones: Roger Federer, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz. They could have witnessed history being made. However, Sinner stopped Djokovic in his tracks in his bid to win his 100th career title. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will continue to hunt for number 100. With Nadal’s retirement, Djokovic is the last of the Big Three standing, and we wonder how much longer he will play.