In an exciting start to day two at the Nitto ATP Finals, defending champion Jannik Sinner kicked off his bid to retain the title with a commanding performance against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Italian player demonstrated his dominance on the court, winning the match 7-5, 6-1, and showcasing his impressive indoor winning streak, which now stands at 27 matches.
Following his victory, Sinner expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Winning the first match is crucial in this type of competition. I’m extremely pleased with how I played today.” The match lasted one hour and 41 minutes, during which Sinner did not face a single break point, a testament to his solid service game and overall control of the match.
The first set proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both players demonstrating their skills. However, Auger-Aliassime suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during the 12th game, requiring a medical timeout. Although he continued to play, he received treatment on his leg during the match, which visibly hindered his performance as the match progressed. Sinner noted, “It was a challenging match until 6-5. He served well, but I’m glad I managed to pull through the tough moments.”
Despite his struggles, Auger-Aliassime was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Sinner’s exceptional play. “He’s tough to beat anywhere, especially here,” the Canadian remarked. “He came out strong and maintained that level throughout the match.”
In another match earlier in the day from the Jimmy Connors Group, American Taylor Fritz faced Italian newcomer Lorenzo Musetti. Fritz, taking advantage of the situation and his recent form, emerged victorious with a straight-sets win, finishing the match 6-3, 6-4 after one hour and 42 minutes of play. Musetti, who had only recently Qualified for the finals, had little time to prepare after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Athens final, which complicated his transition to the prestigious tournament in Turin.
With the group stages underway, players will be eager to maintain their momentum, while injuries and physical setbacks could play a crucial role in the outcome of matches yet to come. The atmosphere remains electric as the tournament unfolds, with fans anticipating more thrilling encounters as the finals advance.
