Novak Djokovic is poised to reach the Masters semifinal for the 12th time this Saturday. Jannik Sinner played the role of spoiler by defeating the Dane, clearing the path for Djokovic. Holger Rune, the Italian player who endured a 2 hour and 30 minute battle, closed the group with three wins, finishing 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 and playing for pride alone.
The opening set unfolded with Djokovic’s rivalries and strategies on full display. Sinner entered Pala Alpitour with sharp intent and, within 32 minutes, had established dominance on the court. He produced only two aces and just three unforced errors in the frame. Rune, a young competitor, was unable to translate his energy into the needed advantage, leaving the arena not far from his best. Djokovic, meanwhile, remained the focal point of the competition and the target of every eye at the Nitto Finals ATP in Turin.
The Danish athlete faced a real risk of missing out on the semi-finals in a tournament that marked his first appearance at the level since age 20. He made a few missteps that his opponent exploited. Sinner was relentless, steady, and electric. Boris Becker, Rune’s coach, watched in astonishment from his seat as the match evolved. The Italian competitor pushed hard, feeling that his victory might not elevate Djokovic, yet the result kept the green group at the top of the standings and undefeated.
Scene change
The momentum shifted in the second set as Rune returned from the locker room transformed. He applied pressure, tightening the screws on Sinner. The Italian, who had kept the score level at 4-4, began to struggle with a right knee issue that required attention, though it did not derail his game entirely. Sinner grew uncomfortable, and the back discomfort influenced the late stages of the set, prompting a break that handed Rune a gain. The match solidified into a tense battle, eventually pushing toward a decisive stretch with neither player giving way.
Another game began, and the war for control intensified. Rune saved a break point during a prolonged 12-minute rally and even lodged a challenge after a hawk-eye review rejected his claim on a spot he believed was correct. The tension and emotion were palpable at Alpitour. Nobody backed down in this dramatic duel.
Torino rose to its feet as Sinner’s decisive volley looked capable of sealing the match. The encounter drew global attention with fans and analysts watching the progress of the Masters event. The broadcast highlighted the intensity of the clash as the players faced off, each rally carrying the implications of the standings and the looming semifinals. The commentary captured the electric atmosphere surrounding the arena as the two sent their best shots toward victory.
The narrative continued to unfold until the score reached 4-4 as Rune pressured his opponent, failing to capitalize on a breakthrough when leading 5-3. Sinner steadied his serve and delivered a relentless sequence, striking with precision on the following shot. He did not miss his chance and secured the match, becoming the first Italian to reach the Masters semifinals since 1970, a historic milestone celebrated by fans and media alike.
Alcaraz looks for his pass
The final lineup for the ATP Finals semifinals would be revealed on Friday. Sinner, Djokovic, and Medvedev held the inside track for the top spots, while Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev contended for the remaining berth. Alcaraz, the Murcia native, faced a decisive intermediate step against Medvedev, with the match scheduled for 14:30 local time on Movistar. A victory would advance him into the championship rounds in Turin. If Alcaraz claimed victory in two sets, he would secure the top spot in the group; if the match required three sets, the second place would be at stake. A win would set up a semifinal meeting with Djokovic, while a victory for Sinner would line up the contrast between the remaining contenders.
In the night session, Zverev faced Rublev. Should the Germans fail to secure a win, the Spaniards would claim the pass in a 1-2-3 draw scenario that favored the Spanish side. The drama of the final rounds hung in the balance as teams maneuvered for the coveted semifinal positions and a shot at Turin’s deluxe stage.