MILAN, November 6, 2019
Jannik Sinner is the first semi-finalist of the Next Gen ATP Finals. Following his win in his opening match in Group B against US-American Frances Tiafoe, the 18-year-old wild card entry cruised past Mikael Ymer of Sweden 4-0, 4-2, 4-1 on Wednesday evening at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.
Sinner won 63 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in only 56 minutes. “I felt well on court today,” said the teenager, who clinched two ATP Challenger titles this season in Bergamo, Italy and Lexington, United States. “I had a perfect start and served very well right form the beginning. This gave me confidence. I am very happy.”
How does it feel, 🇮🇹 @janniksin fans?!
The Italian defeats Ymer 4-0, 4-2, 4-1 to qualify for the semis at the @nextgenfinals 👏
🎥: @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/cMgR8g0drr
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 6, 2019
Earlier in the day, Tiafoe eged past Ugo Humbert of France 4-2, 4-3(5), 3-4(4), 4-1. The Orlando resident saved all three break points he faced and capitalized on three of his own eight chances to prevail after one hour and 42 minutes.
De Minaur remains undefeated
In Group A, top seed Alex de Minaur clinched his second win in Northern Italy. The 20-year-old Australian beat Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia 4-1, 4-3(4), 1-4, 4-0 in one hour and 24 minutes.
2 out of 2 for @alexdeminaur ✅
Can anyone stop Demon at the @nextgenfinals? 😈
🎥: @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/O1btixewfz
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 6, 2019
“This is what you expect in these conditions. A match can turn quickly. I didn’t play badly, [but] he just played well in the important moments,” De Minaur said. “I just had to regroup and stick to my game.”
De Minaur now holds the lead in Group A with a 2-0 record, while Kecmanovic drops to 1-1. The top seed will next take on Norwegian Casper Ruud, who overcame Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, 3-4(2), 4-3(2), 4-2, 3-4(2), 4-1 after two hours and 16 minutes.
“[Casper] played a hell of a match today and it’s going to be incredibly tough, but this is what we’re here for,” De Minaur said. “Everyone is playing at a high level, so I have to be ready for it.”
