Jannik Sinner replaces ‘idol’ Matteo Berrettini at ATP Finals and then produces dream result in Turin

His compatriot Matteo Berrettini’s injury paved the way for him to compete at the ATP Finals and Jannik Sinner made the most of his opportunity as he beat Hubert Hurkacz in front of cheering Italians in Turin.
Berrettini picked up an abdominal injury during his opening match against Alexander Zverev and confirmed his withdrawal from the tournament on Tuesday afternoon.
It opened the door for Sinner, who was the first alternate, to make his debut at the season-ending event.
And he grabbed the chance with both hands as he beat Hurkacz 6-2, 6-2, which keeps his hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.
Mamma Mia 😍
An unforgettable night for @janniksin at the #NittoATPFinals! pic.twitter.com/a8EIPh7pC6
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 16, 2021
The Italian broke twice in each set to produce a comfortable victory over Hurkacz, who has now lost both his matches in the Red Group.
“I knew around 5 (pm) that I would play,” Sinner said. “I was ready to go on court. It is an incredible feeling playing here in Italy with thousands of people cheering for you and I am trying my best. I will enjoy the moment. I played well and felt good in the warm up. It was an incredible match.”
The 20-year-old wrote “Matteo, you are an idol” on the camera lens after his victory and paid tribute to his compatriot.
From one to the other 👊
The only two Italians to win a singles match at the ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner & Matteo Berrettini@janniksin @MattBerrettini #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/7mFVhgiY4u
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 16, 2021
“Matteo has been unlucky many, many times in his career and I wish him all the best,” Sinner said. “I am going to play for him at this tournament because he deserves to be here. I will give my best and it is a highlight playing here.”
Latest
-
News
Kyle Edmund has US Open in his sights after Wimbledon return
The former world number 14 and gram slam semi-finalist has been sidelined for 20 months and undergone three knee operations.
-
Wimbledon
Simona Halep continues push to regain Wimbledon title
The 2019 champion took her SW19 winning streak to 11 matches by beating fourth seed Paula Badosa in under an hour.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios reflects: My agent had to come get me out of a pub
Nick Kyrgios is enjoying getting under people’s skin during his Wimbledon run.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer the most interesting rival according to former champion
“I think both of them have taken the game to a different level,” Wilander said.
-
Wimbledon
Injury cloud hangs over Nick Kyrgios despite gaining Wimbledon quarter-finals
Kyrgios kept his focus on tennis in a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (2) 3-6 6-2 victory.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe: The wit and wisdom of the outspoken former World No 1
John McEnroe has always had plenty to say.
-
Wimbledon
‘Where is Peng Shuai?’ t-shirts see activists ‘harassed’ by security
The group said they had come to Wimbledon to “raise a bit of awareness” after the conversation around the Chinese tennis player had “died down”.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon CEO stands by decision to ban Russia and Belarusia players, confirms appeal against WTA fine
AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said the organisation “deeply disappointed” by reaction to bans.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon chief defends scheduling after criticism following Novak Djokovic’s late night
Novak Djokovic’s match against Tim van Rijthoven finished just before 11pm.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios’ dad unimpressed by Wimbledon double standards while his brother defends ‘trash talk’
Nick Kyrgios “trash talk” defended by his brother.