World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has served up a masterclass at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, avenging last year’s loss to American Ben Shelton with a gritty 6-4, 7-6 victory in the fourth round. The Italian’s relentless form in 2024 continues to impress, with this win marking his 14th quarter-final from as many tournaments this year and pushing him closer to securing the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking.
Sinner’s path to victory was anything but smooth. He faced down seven break points but refused to budge, while Shelton, though fierce with 22 winners, struggled to capitalize on key moments. Sinner showcased his strategic precision, pulling ahead in crucial mid-range rallies and notching 12 more points overall than his opponent.
The first set saw both players locked in a neck-and-neck battle until Shelton’s miscalculated drop shot handed Sinner a break for a 5-4 lead. The Italian closed out the set with an ace, seizing early control. Shelton fought back in the second set, creating multiple break opportunities, but Sinner’s defense proved unbreakable. Three saved break points at 4-4 underscored Sinner’s unyielding mentality, and the world’s top player clinched the match with a dominant 7-1 tiebreak.
This Shanghai triumph sets up a high-stakes quarter-final against World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, a fierce rival with whom Sinner has shared epic battles. Most recently, Sinner overpowered Medvedev at the US Open, a rematch following their Wimbledon clash where Medvedev emerged victorious. Their Shanghai duel promises to be yet another highlight of the tournament as Sinner inches closer to cementing his status as the ATP’s year-end king.
As Sinner moves forward, his confidence and consistency make him a formidable contender, raising expectations that he may soon etch his name among tennis’s greats. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the Italian star can sustain his dominant form and bring home his 100th tour-level title this season.
