Facing Jannik Sinner is like trying to solve a puzzle that not many people have succeeded in’

Facing Jannik Sinner “is like trying to solve a puzzle that not many have succeeded in”.

 

That is the verdict of world No 9 Alex de Minaur – who lost for the ninth time in as many matches against the Italian in their Davis Cup clash on Saturday.

 

Sinner’s 6-3, 6-4 win over the Australian sealed a 2-0 victory for Italy in their semi-final, after Matteo Berrettini had beaten Thanasi Kokkinakis in a three-set thriller to put his nation ahead in the tie

Italy will go into Sunday’s final against the Netherlands as significant favourites, looking to become the first nation since 2013 to defend the title – after beating Australia in the final 12 months ago.

 

Sinner has been the standout male tennis player of 2024, winning two Grand Slam titles and rising to world No 1 in June – a ranking he has made his own in the ensuing months.

 

The 23-year-old has lost just six times this season, not losing once in straight sets and never tasting defeat before the quarter-final stage of a tournament.

 

De Minaur has also had the most successful season of his career and is not the only person to struggle against the Italian in 2024.

 

However, he has failed to win a set in their three contests this year and has only won one set across their nine encounters.

Jannik Sinner News

Speaking after his defeat and Australia’s exit from the competition, the 25-year-old described playing Sinner as a puzzle – and detailed just why the two-time Slam champion is so difficult to face.

 

He said: “It’s like trying to solve a puzzle that not many people have succeeded in. That’s probably the best way to describe it.

“His ball speed and consistency make him maintain his focus throughout the match. So, if you want to go out there and beat him, you have to play your best tennis. Especially in crucial points, you have to step up.

 

“He comes out, he’s solid, plays well, and in key moments, he takes that step forward. He’s a very tough player to face this year, just like other opponents have felt as well.”

 

Sinner is expected to face Dutch No 1 Tallon Griekspoor in the second rubber of Sunday’s final.

 

Italy are looking to win the title for the first time, while victory for the Dutch would be a first triumph in the tournament.

2022 Australian Open – R16: 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4

 

2022 Madrid Open – R32: 6-4, 6-1

 

2023 Canadian Open – Final: 6-4, 6-1

 

2023 Davis Cup Finals – Final: 6-3, 6-0

 

2024 Rotterdam Open – Final: 7-5, 6-4

 

2024 ATP Finals – Round Robin: 6-3, 6-4

 

2024 Davis Cup Finals – SF: 6-3, 6-4