Sinner defeats Medvedev to reach Shanghai Masters semi-finals

SHANGHAI: Jannik Sinner handedly defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

FIRST SET

Sinner dominated the first set, getting a break immediately in Medvedev’s first service game. The Russian wasn’t able to return the Italian’s backhand, with the ball not making it past the net. The world number one would then increase his lead, three games to none, in four straight points, the last of which was a beautiful lob over Medvedev that landed right on the baseline and too far away from the Russian at the net.

Medvedev would win his next service game, and Sinner would do the same. The Russian was forced onto the defensive in the fifth game before Sinner hit a fast volley past the Russian to make it four games to one.  

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The Italian’s brilliance would continue, getting another break after Medvedev’s backhand landed wide of the sideline. Sinner would end the set quickly and effortlessly in five points, the last of which was a statement ace.

SECOND SET

It would take longer for Sinner to get a break in the second set, as Medvedev put up more of a fight, holding out until the fifth game. The World Number 5 won three straight points, but the Italian won the next three, forcing a deuce. Sinner showed some incredible ingenuity, varying his offense masterfully. A relentless assault would get the world number one the advantage, but it was Medvedev who closed out the game with a double fault, in what would become a fatal mistake.

They would both win their next two respective service games, making the score five games to four in favour of the 16 time title winner. The world number one would close out the match with what he does best, a powerful serve to force Medvedev on the defensive in order to return, before rushing to the net, sending the ball the complete opposite direction with a volley.  

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Sinner will play a semifinal match against the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Tomas Machac, possibly getting an opportunity to avenge the loss handed to him by the Spaniard in the China Open finals last week.