Mon Oct 14 11:15:30 UTC 2024: ## Sinner Claims Shanghai Masters Title, Defeating Djokovic in Straight Sets
**SHANGHAI -** Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked player, secured his seventh title of the season by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. The Italian star dominated the 24-time Grand Slam champion, winning 7-6 (4), 6-3 in a match that lasted just over an hour and a half.
Sinner, who has now defeated Djokovic four times in their careers, played a near-flawless match, never facing a break point and hitting eight aces and 22 winners. Djokovic, aiming for his 100th tour-level title and fifth in Shanghai, was unable to match Sinner’s intensity.
“It was a very tough match, obviously, playing against Novak is one of the toughest challenges we have,” said Sinner. “You have to try and use the small chances that he gives you, but there are not many during the match. He is a legend of our sport, he’s very tough to play against, so I am very happy.”
Sinner’s victory marks the first time a player has won more than six titles in a single season since Andy Murray won nine in 2016. The 23-year-old is now 8-2 against top-five opponents on hard courts this year, with both losses coming against Carlos Alcaraz, who witnessed the final from the stands.
Despite the loss, Djokovic, who was playing in China for the first time in five years, acknowledged Sinner’s dominance. “I think I played some really good tennis, but congratulations to Jannik,” said Djokovic. “He was just too good today. Too strong, too fast, well done. You’re having an incredible year. You deserve this.”
Djokovic, who lost to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year, has only one title to his name in 2023, the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. He remains determined to compete at the highest level, however, and reiterated his desire to continue playing as long as he can challenge the best players in the world.
First Piper 