Sinner stays perfect, Fritz advances to semifinals at ATP Finals

He's got a stranglehold on the World No. 1 ranking. He's unbeaten this week and hasn't dropped a set. And his home fans in Italy can't get enough of him.

Things couldn't be going much better for Jannik Sinner at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals.

Sinner and US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz advanced to the semifinals on Thursday at the season-ending tournament in Turin for the sport's top eight male players.

Sinner won the round-robin group following a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 2020 champion Daniil Medvedev. The Italian was already assured of a spot in the last four before his match against the Russian, but still extended his winning streak to nine matches. Sinner beat home favorite Fritz in the US Open final in September to claim his second Grand Slam title.

"I hope this match gives me confidence for the semifinals, where I'm hoping to raise the level," Sinner said. "But honestly, I'm happy with the level I'm playing at right now."

Medvedev, who won one of three matches, and Alex de Minaur of Australia, who didn't win any, were eliminated.

Fritz advanced in second place after rallying past de Minaur 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Last season, Sinner lost in the final against Novak Djokovic, who pulled out injured this year.

Alexander Zverev leads the other group ahead of Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev.

Sinner now holds the edge in career meetings with Medvedev at 8-7, after the Russian swept their first six matches.

"He's in full confidence right now," Medvedev said. "I watched his practice before the match – barely misses a shot and he hits strong. Many times, a lot of players that don't miss a lot, at least they don't hit strong. He can hit strong – very strong, probably one of maybe top three, four, five hitters on tour, and doesn't miss."

Fritz improved to 4-5 in his career against de Minaur, and could pull level next week in a quarterfinal matchup between the USA and Australia at the Davis Cup Finals.

"I feel like he typically plays better in the team environment. I also feel like I play better in the team environment," Fritz said. "It's still going to be a nightmare to play him next week, too."