Jannik Sinner maintained his bid to defend his ATP Finals title by defeating Ben Shelton. The Italian completed a perfect group stage, remaining unbeaten in the Bjorn Borg Group.
Sinner’s victory over Shelton came in one hour and 35 minutes, with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) scoreline. Shelton bowed out of his debut Finals without a win from three matches.
Fans at the Inapli Arena cheered loudly for Sinner, who remained composed despite losing the year-end world number one ranking to Carlos Alcaraz.
Semi-Final Clash Set
Sinner will face Alex de Minaur in the first semi-final on Saturday. He enters the match as a strong favourite, having never lost to De Minaur in 12 encounters. Only two sets have been conceded against the Australian since 2019.
Sinner said, “The motivation’s always there, we’re in the semi-finals in Turin, it’s the last tournament of the year, and that’s enough motivation to win tomorrow.” He added, “I never underestimate my opponents… I have a lot to lose and he doesn’t, so I need to be careful.”
The 24-year-old has not dropped a set at the Finals since losing to Novak Djokovic in 2023. His performance against the world’s top players has been efficient and dominant.
Match Highlights Against Shelton
Sinner began by immediately breaking Shelton’s serve and maintained pressure throughout. Second serves reached speeds of 190kph (118mph), leaving Shelton no chance to counter.
Shelton reflected on his debut Finals experience, saying, “Tough to finish out the season like this, 0-3 at the Finals. For me, obviously a great year. A lot of positives. This will just make me work harder in the off-season, make me even more excited for the 2026 season. But yeah, it stings, for sure.”
Auger-Aliassime Reaches Semis
Felix Auger-Aliassime secured the final semi-final spot by defeating Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Auger-Aliassime will now face Alcaraz, who secured the year-end top ranking after defeating Lorenzo Musetti.
Zverev ends his season with just one title in Munich, showing a contrast to the form of his competitors.
Potential Final Showdown
Sinner and Alcaraz could meet again in the season-ending final. They have faced off multiple times this year, with Alcaraz winning four of five encounters. Their clashes have often been tournament finals, including two Grand Slam deciders.
Sinner acknowledged Alcaraz’s achievements, stating, “I’d be lying if I said that I was super happy about it, to be honest, but he deserves it because he’s had an incredible season, he’s won two slams and eight tournaments in total.” He added, “I’m happy for him, he’s a great guy and he’s got a great team around him.”
Based on Friday’s results, expectations are set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 ATP Finals, with Sinner and Alcaraz as the key contenders for the title.
