Jannik Sinner Beats Taylor Fritz in Group Stage of ATP Finals

Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets at the ATP Finals.

Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in the Group Stage of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. / Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

It has been just over two months since Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in the US Open finals. Much has transpired in the tennis world since then, but Sinner remains as dominant as ever.

While Fritz has played at a high level this fall and gave the World No. 1 a nice challenge today, he could not knock off Sinner. In the end, Sinner defeated Fritz in straight sets: 6-4, 6-4.

That is VERY naughty, @janniksin 😜#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/8NgM3R6g22

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 12, 2024

With the crowd behind him, the Italian superstar played at the top of his game. Sinner fended off three break points in the first set to hold 4-4. The second set was just as contested as the players battled to 3-3 before Sinner gained an edge with a spectacular backhand that forced Fritz into an unforced error and an unusual show of frustration.

Sinner tallied 22 winners and 18 unforced errors, to Fritz's 19 winners and 26 unforced errors. Sinner was 2/6 on break points, while Fritz was 0/1 on break points. Both players served at a high level.

SIMPLY SIN-SATIONAL 🤩@janniksin with a mind-blowing sliding backhand pass 🤯#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/HFmo5EWIKr

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 12, 2024

After the match, Sinner was asked about his incredible backhand. "I read a little bit where he was playing, and I tried to pass him somehow because if not, it would have been a very easy volley for him... Those kinds of moments are very important."

Sinner noted his support in the stands, "The crowd is helping me a lot, and this is a very special occasion for me. I just hope I can show some good tennis like today, and let's see what's coming tomorrow."

Undefeated so far 💥 @JannikSin earns a straight set win over Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 and moves to 2-0 in the Nastase Group. #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/7chFCvZvUJ

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 12, 2024

Despite being 2-0 in the round-robin style first round, Sinner has not yet qualified for the semifinals (although it is highly likely). Meanwhile, Fritz is 1-1. Both players will be back in action on Friday when Sinner faces Daniil Medvedev and Fritz takes on Alex de Minaur.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

• Gracias, Rafa: Málaga unveils giant tribute to Nadal before Davis Cup.

• Carlos Alcaraz canceled his practice short on Tuesday due to ongoing illness.

• Jannik Sinner's signature Nike apparel hit shelves in Italy for the ATP Finals.