Jannik Sinner reaches Shanghai Masters final and confirms number 1 position at the end of the year – ‘It means so much’

Jannik Sinner made history when he reached the final of the Shanghai Masters – where he could face Novak Djokovic – after beating Tomas Machac in the last four on Saturday.

The two-time Grand Slam champion continued his exceptional 2024 season by narrowly beating his Czech opponent in straight sets to reach his first final in Shanghai, winning 6-4 7-5.

World number 33 Machac produced an inspiring run to reach the semi-finals in China, but Sinner’s excellence ultimately proved too strong as he reached his third Masters final of the campaign.

After his one hour and 42 minute victory, in which he claimed his 64th victory of the season and confirmed his place as world No. 1 at the end of the year – becoming the first Italian to do so – Sinner described his joy for being the only 18th player to end the calendar year as the highest ranked player.

“It’s amazing, it’s what you dream about as a kid, when you’re young. I’m just trying to reach number one (rank),” he told Sky Sports.

“Having the year-end position (number 1) is also a different and special feeling, but this happens during a tournament, so I don’t even look at that.

“I know tomorrow is going to be a big day, the final is just around the corner, but yes, it means so much and it’s something I couldn’t achieve without the people I have around me.”

Sinner immediately lost his serve in the opening game as Machac raced to a two-game lead, but the 23-year-old could not hold his early lead as Sinner hit back in the fourth game.

The Italian took control and led 5-4 and eventually secured a second break in the final game to close out the opening set.

The second was closely fought and neither player could force a break until the final game at 6-5, when Sinner finally broke Machac’s resistance to take the set and victory.

Sinner will face Djokovic or No. 7 seed Taylor Fritz in Sunday’s final.