Djokovic loses Shanghai to Sinner: The top-ranked player in the world, Sinner, defeated the 37-year-old Serb 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to continue his impressive play this season.
Djokovic wanted to join the ranks of just two other men who had won a significant number of titles: Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and the observant Roger Federer (103).
For Djokovic, the carrot of the century had been giving him extra incentive in Shanghai.
The chance to demonstrate to the younger generation that he still possesses the strength and durability to outperform them to win the greatest awards was equally important.
But in Sunday’s final, a couple of errors at crucial times by the 24-time Grand Slam champion proved expensive and gave Sinner the advantage in the most important points.
Djokovic loses Shanghai to Sinner:
The 23-year-old Italian, who was originally acquitted of all charges but still has a doping case pending, performed flawlessly to win his seventh title of an incredible year.
Sinner won 65 of his 71 matches in 2024, winning the Australian Open and US National.
Djokovic continues to derive a lot of pride from an event in which he played some of his greatest tennis of the year, notwithstanding the loss.
Though Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz are leading the future generation, the fact that the veteran is losing to Sinner for the third time in a row is telling.
Because Djokovic has no flaws, it’s difficult to tell you the key to beating him, Sinner stated.
“You must make the most of the little opportunities he grants you. He is a legendary player in our sport and a formidable opponent.”
The way Sinner defeated Djokovic
Neither player was able to earn a break in a close opening set that featured excellent serving and ball striking, with none of the 12 games leading up to the tie-break even reaching deuce.
This season, both men have impressive tie-break records, but Sinner emerged victorious after jumping out to a 4-0 lead.
After cutting the lead to 5-3, Djokovic volleyed backhand into the net to set up three set points.
He saved the first serve with a brilliant backhand on the second, then pulled a reply wide to give Sinner the set.
The narrow margins were evident in the first set as Djokovic and Sinner each won 73 points.
Djokovic’s failure to make another backhand volley near the net swung the tide of the second set.
It set up Sinner’s first break point of the match, and the top seed won the second one convincingly with a forehand winner that even Djokovic could not duplicate.
For Djokovic, the break was final and irreversible.
Sinner proceeded to play excellent defense and offense, giving Djokovic no chances as he served out to win the Shanghai title for the first time.
