Jannik Sinner has the potential to reach a breathtaking new peak.
In light of his performance at the Australian Open in 2024, Daniil Medvedev has decided to prolong his sabbatical, forfeiting the ATP tournament in Doha as well. It goes without saying that the Russian’s decision will have an impact on the ATP rankings, maybe benefiting Jannik Sinner.
The Italian has two opportunities to become the first player from his own nation to rank third in the ATP rankings during the Open Era at the ABN AMRO, ATP 500 in Rotterdam. The achievement was only accomplished by Nicola Pietrangeli prior to the introduction of the current computerized ranking system.
Should Jannik Sinner emerge victorious from the Rotterdam tournament or make it to the ABN AMRO Open final, he would take the top spot as the new ATP No. 3.
After defeating the Frenchman Gael Monfils in three sets, Sinner still has a long way to go as he will play Canadian Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals in a few hours. In just two sets, the former Wimbledon 2016 finalist defeated an astute tennis player in Alexander Bublik.
Medvedev sets down Doha
It turns out that the rumours that have been going around are true: Daniil Medvedev won’t even participate in the ATP 250 event in Doha. After a challenging voyage at the Australian Open, the Russian tennis star decided to take a little rest, not to defend the championship in Rotterdam, and to give up on Doah.
The Russian will lose another 250 ranking points as a result of his decision to extend this period until the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. In reality, Medvedev had defeated Andy Murray in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open final, winning 6-4 on both counts.
After defeating Monfils, Jannik gave the following analysis during the press conference: “I performed poorly on serve in the second set, and things changed rapidly. Playing against Monfils is never simple because he always makes a change. Everyone adores Gael, who is a fantastic showman who is indispensable to the sport. I’m hoping he can play for as long as he can and get back at him.”