Jannik Sinner made a commanding start to the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in front of an energized home crowd in Turin. Returning to competition after a month-long break, the Italian No. 1 displayed poise and precision as he powered through his first group-stage match, shaking off early jitters and reclaiming control to secure a win in just 85 minutes.
Playing in the Ilie Nastase Group, Sinner initially appeared rusty, dropping his serve in the third game. However, he quickly found his rhythm, winning four straight games to take the opening set. His heavy groundstrokes and aggressive returns left De Minaur struggling to maintain his footing as Sinner took charge. The 23-year-old Italian exhibited his signature baseline firepower, hitting 19 winners and winning 81% of his first-serve points.
Reflecting on his win, Sinner said, “I’m very happy, especially considering it’s been a while since I played. I started with some unforced errors, but mentally, I stayed in it, hoping my game would arrive soon—and it did.” He credited the home crowd for their energy, expressing his joy at playing on Italian soil again. “The welcome was amazing. I can’t wait for the next one,” he added.
For De Minaur, this was a challenging debut in his maiden appearance at the ATP Finals. The Australian had shown resilience all season, becoming the first from his country to qualify for the tournament in 20 years. Yet, facing the world’s top player was a tall order, and Sinner’s relentless pace left little room for the Aussie to counter. De Minaur acknowledged Sinner’s superior game, saying, “Jannik’s ball speed is higher than most; he’s just so solid on both sides. I couldn’t keep up with the level I needed today.”
This victory brings Sinner’s head-to-head record with De Minaur to a dominant 8-0, further cementing his status as the favorite in Turin. Currently on a seven-match winning streak and leading the tour with 66 wins this year, Sinner is well-positioned to advance in the tournament, with his next match against either Daniil Medvedev or Taylor Fritz.
Having clinched the ATP Year-End No. 1 ranking, Sinner enters these Finals with momentum and an eye on the trophy that eluded him in last year’s runner-up finish. As he pursues his eighth title of the season, fans and fellow Italian sports stars, including football legend Giorgio Chiellini, are rallying behind him, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign.
With each game, Sinner’s dominance and composure highlight his readiness to go all the way in Turin, bringing the ATP Finals crown within reach.
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