Nov 11, V7N-World number one Jannik Sinner started his ATP Finals campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Australian Alex de Minaur on Sunday. Sinner, who was the runner-up in the tournament last year, had a slow start, dropping serve early in the first set. However, he quickly found his rhythm, breaking back and dominating the match with his powerful baseline game. He sealed the win with an ace, making it an unblemished 8-0 head-to-head record against de Minaur.
 
Sinner, who has had an impressive year with titles at the Australian and U.S. Open, hadn't played a competitive match in four weeks since his Shanghai title win. Despite some early rust, he was pleased with his performance. "Considering I hadn't played for four weeks, I'm very happy," he said, adding that his mental focus helped him bounce back after the initial setbacks.
 
Off the court, Sinner's year has been marred by a doping controversy. He was cleared of any wrongdoing after testing positive for clostebol in March, with an independent tribunal accepting his explanation that the substance entered his system through massages and sports therapy. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision, and the case is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
 
Earlier in the day, former ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev lost to Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 in a match that saw Medvedev lose his temper. The Russian, who served a string of double faults, smashed his racket after losing his serve in the first set and continued to unravel in the second. He even broke a microphone with his racket and was penalized with a point. Medvedev admitted his frustration, saying, "I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone."
 
Monday's action will see Spain's Carlos Alcaraz take on Norway's Casper Ruud, while Germany's Alexander Zverev faces Andrey Rublev.
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