Sinner defeats Djokovic to claim Shanghai Masters title

World number one Jannik Sinner defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Sunday to win the Shanghai Masters, denying Djokovic his 100th career singles title.

Sinner secured a crucial break in the second set’s fourth game, clinching victory in just over 90 minutes. “He was just too good today, too strong, too fast,” said Djokovic after the match.

Sinner, 23, hailed Djokovic as a “legend” for continuing to play “incredible tennis… year after year.” Jokingly acknowledging Roger Federer, who was in the stands, he added: “There are legends everywhere, I just try to keep up a little bit.”

The opening set saw both players hold serve with no breaks, before Sinner took early control in the tiebreak, going 5-1 up. Djokovic steadied himself but missed a volley, allowing Sinner to seize the first set on his second opportunity.

In the second set, Sinner’s pivotal moment came in the fourth game, breaking Djokovic with a powerful forehand down the line. From there, the Italian comfortably held serve, closing out the match with an ace to secure the title.

Sinner’s victory concludes a year of highs and controversy, as he faces ongoing scrutiny over a positive steroid test from March.

(Source: AFP)