“I have another chance” – Sinner is ready to take the next big step in Toronto final

The Italian has lost his previous two 1000-level finals. He takes on Australia’s Alex De Minaur in the showpiece match in Toronto for a third attempt at a Masters title

Jannik Sinner, Toronto 2023 – © Icon SMI / Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

August 13, 2023

For all the talent that he so clearly has, Jannik Sinner has yet to earn his statement title win on the ATP Tour.

That could be about to change in Toronto on Sunday as the Italian gears up to take on Alex De Minaur in the National Bank Open final.

“It’s another great challenge for me, another chance,” the world No 8 said following his semi-final win over Tommy Paul.

“I’ve been working very hard for these matches like semi-finals and finals. And happy that tomorrow I have another chance.”

Sinner continues to build on steady progress

Sinner is one of the most exciting players on tour. With a rock-solid sliding defence, reminiscent of Novak Djokovic, and electrifying power generated through pitch-perfect technique, it is easy to see why he is widely viewed as one of the sport’s next greats.

Yet, despite a stellar early career which has seen him consistently improve and adapt to the rigours of tour competition, the 22-year-old has yet to break through with a title win beyond the ATP 500 level.

Unlike Alcaraz, Sinner’s progression has been steady and gradual – as opposed to bursting onto the scene with headline-grabbing title wins.

In a sport where new prodigious talent seems to emerge frequently, it is refreshing to see a young player of Sinner’s ability hone his craft and steadily build himself into one of the game’s great forces.

But now is the time for the Italian to make that next big move.

Masters 1000 title remains elusive so far

Still only 22, the young man from Innichen has youth and time on his side. By now, however, he is far from a novice on tour.

Sinner has won seven tour-level titles, reached at least the last eight of all four Grand Slams, and sits at a career-high ranking of No 8 in the world.

Yet in his previous two Masters 1000 finals – both at the Miami Open – Sinner fell short of claiming the biggest title of his career.

Fresh off the back of his maiden Grand Slam semi-final appearance at Wimbledon last month, however, Jannik Sinner has navigated his way to a third Masters final and will have a chance to rectify those past two losses.

Standing between the Italian and what would be a significant milestone title is Australian Alex De Minaur, who will pose a very stern challenge for Sinner to overcome.

The moment @janniksin sealed his spot in another Masters 1000 semi-final 🤩#NBO23 pic.twitter.com/DM5ZjRFykM
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 12, 2023

But the world No 8 is feeling confident, and with coach Darren Cahill in his corner – a partnership that has worked excellently for the Italian so far – he has every reason to be.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge, for sure, but I love to take these challenges,” Sinner said ahead of Sunday’s showpiece.

“Darren knows how to prepare the important moments or important matches. He has seen so many matches already and throughout his coaching career.

“You know, on the tennis court, we work hard. I feel like the placement of the balls and a little bit also technically he gave me.

“I have been in the situation already a couple of times, so I know the feeling before an important final, which is good, and hopefully I can show this tomorrow. And so let’s see.”

Sinner ready to take the next big step in his career

It feels as though all the building blocks that Sinner and his coaching team have been constructing over the past few years are now coming well into place.

There has been an undeniable sense throughout this season that this brilliant young Italian is ready to start taking bigger strides at the very top of the game.

Perhaps more pertinently, there is now a sense that – sooner rather than later – Sinner needs that landmark title to arrive.

Come Sunday evening in Toronto, the eyes of the tennis world will be on one of tennis’ brightest young stars, watching to see whether Jannik Sinner is ready to take the next step in what is rapidly becoming a very fine career.