In the 2023 Canadian Open quarterfinals, Carlos Alcaraz was beaten by Tommy Paul in three sets. The world number one struggled mightily all week in Toronto, as seen by his narrow victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the round of 16.
Jannik Sinner was asked if it feels good to be the favorite going into the final. To which he responded with “Yeah.. pressure is something great. When you feel pressure, it’s something positive. It’s a privilege. Not many players have that. It’s great to be in a final. Hopefully, I’ll show some great tennis” (H/T Twitter)
Jannik Sinner is now the clear favorite to win the competition because Daniil Medvedev also faced an early exit in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the Italian defeated Gael Monfils in a tough three-set match after receiving a walkover in the last 16. Upon hearing that he was under more pressure to win the competition as a result of Carlos Alcaraz’s elimination, Jannik Sinner reacted.
Nonetheless, the seventh seed was mindful of Tommy Paul’s danger in the semifinals. “You definitely follow because you play after this match.” It’s great to be able to play a crucial game tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do better, no? But I was preoccupied with today’s game. The next match will present a new challenge. It’s a different adversary. He is more confident now that he has defeated the number one player. It’ll be difficult. “As I previously stated, I’m delighted to be back in the semi-finals,” Sinner remarked.
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Jannik Sinner to face De Minaur in Toronto Final
Sinner had a valiant win over Tommy Paul in Toronto. After placing second twice in Miami, Jannik Sinner won 6-4, 6-4 to progress to his third ATP Masters 1000 final. The triumph of Sinner in the National Bank Open in addition to semi-final appearances at Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Miami, the Masters 1000s presented by Rogers has had a continuous year of strong performances. At that elite level, the Italian is currently 17-4 this year.
Jannik Sinner remarked following the game, “It’s always a privilege to stand on such a great court, playing a great match against an incredible opponent.” I’m simply attempting to meet whatever challenges that may arise. Whether it’s the 46-ball rally that occurs [on break point in the second set] or another instance where you serve for the match and are broken, you must then find a way to win. “I’m pleased with how I handled every circumstance on the court. He played quite well. He’s a really kind person. I’m pleased to be back in the final, and I hope to play well tomorrow.”
Sinner has remained at No. 8 this week in the ATP Live Rankings, but with a victory over Alex de Minaur in Sunday’s final, he may pass Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud and make his maiden appearance in the Top 6. Sinner made his Turin debut in 2021 as an alternate, but his success this week has already moved him up two spots to fourth in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin, giving him a great chance to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals directly for the first time.
The seventh-seeded Italian is excited about the possibility even if he is aware that his Toronto doubles partner will be the frontrunner. He added, “Pressure is something amazing. When you experience pressure, it’s a good thing. Few players have that, therefore having it is an honor. Alex is a fantastic athlete. He demonstrated it during this event and the week leading up to the Los Cabos final. I’m hoping it’ll be a fantastic match.”
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