At the ATP Finals 2021 in Turin, Jannik Sinner replaced Matteo Berrettini as the latter withdrew due to an injury. Afterward, he defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-2, 6-2 in his first match. Consequently, all tennis fans are now left wondering: Can Sinner reach the semifinals in Turin?
The simple answer is yes; Sinner can make it in the last four standing at the ATP Finals. However, the path to reach the semifinals is not so plain. Funnily enough, even Alexander Zverev got perplexed over the young Italian’s semifinal chances in Turin.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ATP Finals 2021: SF scenario for Alexander Zverev, Hubert Hurkacz, and Jannik Sinner
So far, Russian World No.2 Daniil Medvedev has won both his matches and confirmed his place in the semifinals. It came as an effect of Italian star Matteo Berrettini‘s unfortunate withdrawal from the ATP Finals 2021.
Interestingly, German Alexander Zverev had already received a walkover win over Berrettini on Day 1. And now, if he manages to defeat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, he will take the second semifinal spot.
So how can home-hope Jannik Sinner upset Zverev’s semifinals chances in Turin? For this, he will have to defeat Medvedev in his match against the World No. 2.
According to the semifinal scenario of the Red Group, Hurkacz will also have to beat Zverev to keep Sinner’s chances alive. Hence, the young Italian has only a slim chance to meet all these conditions.
Red Group scenarios for Thursday
— Medvedev won the group
— Zverev needs:
– to beat Hurkacz— Sinner needs:
– to beat Medvedev AND Hurkacz to beat Zverev— Hurkacz needs:
– to beat Zverev AND Medvedev to beat SinnerHope they schedule Sinner-Medvedev first…
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 16, 2021
Beyond qualification, however, the 20-year-old has an outstanding opportunity to entertain his home fans in place of compatriot Berrettini. Plus, playing as one of the best eight players of the season is in itself an incomparable experience.
Considering Sinner’s performance against Hurkacz, it became clear that he came to Turin with a purpose. And if not win the title, the young Italian will hope to exhibit the best tennis of his career.
Read More: Andy Roddick Picks Novak Djokovic as the GOAT Over Friend Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
What if Zverev and Sinner win two matches each?
Indeed, Medvedev, Zverev, and Sinner can end up with two wins each in the Red Group. In that case, the number of matches scenario will apply, and since Sinner has one appearance less than the other two, he will get eliminated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sinner would be out.
2nd tiebreak is number of matches played.
If 3 players finish with 2 wins, Sinner always out. https://t.co/FzsQ0pgu68
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 17, 2021
All in all, the semifinals qualification from the Red Group has become intense. But it will all come to an end if Zverev beats Hurkacz first.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Let’s wait and watch how far Sinner will go in the ATP Finals 2021. Do you think the young Italian will make the long shot?
Watch this story: The Wives and Girlfriends of Tennis Players