Turin: JannikSinnermade adreamstarttotheATPFinalswith a comprehensive 6-4 6-4 defeat of StefanosTsitsipasintheir opening Green Group clash on Sunday.
Playinginfront of his home crowdinthe huge Pala Alpitour indoor arena, the world number four was streets ahead of his opponent even if the score looked reasonably close.
Sinnerserved superbly throughout and struck his groundstrokes with venom, needing just one service breakineach settowrap up a routine victory.
World number one Novak Djokovic begins his Green Group quest later on Sunday when he faces Danish youngster Holger Rune.
Sinnerwrapped up the opening setin40 minutes and when he broke serve at thestartof the second set he never looked like relinquishing control against a flat-lookingTsitsipas.
The Italian, who has qualified by right for the season-ender for the first time, sealed victory with an ace.
“It was a long week before coming here and I was excitedtofinallystep on court,” the 22-year-oldSinnersaid. “I knew it would be tough but I think I answered the questions really well.
“It’s a special week, such an incredible feeling playing here with the roof closed and the crowd.”
Djokovic, bidding for a record seventh title at the event, will seal the year-end world number one ranking for an eighth time if he wins one group match.
(Published 12 November 2023, 16:09 IST)