For a year now, Jannik Sinner has ruled the indoor hard courts like his own personal kingdom. Each time the Italian steps onto the sleek, echoing surfaces under artificial lights, he transforms into a version of himself that seems nearly untouchable. The numbers alone tell the story…

With his incredible 6-4, 6-3 triumph over the world number 3, Alexander Zverev, the Italian not only secured his place in the semis but also achieved quite a few interesting milestones. Sinner has now won 28 consecutive matches on indoor hard courts, and his record against the Top 10 players since October 2023 at indoors is currently 20-1. But what truly makes Sinner so invincible under the roof?

In a rare moment of introspection, the 24-year-old finally shed light on the secret behind his indoor dominance. During a post-match interview, Jannik Sinner was asked if he had played a lot on these surfaces when he was young. Replying to that, Sinner said, “No, I generally didn't play a lot when I was young, so... I feel like it suits my game style very well. It's easier also in practice sessions to find rhythm. That's it.”

The last time he lost a match on this surface was way back in the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals championship match against Novak Djokovic. In 2024, he became the first man to win the event without losing a set (since 1986). Guess what? Even this year, he is yet to drop a set. Sinner has won all the last 14 sets he played at the ATP Finals. 

Speaking more about the secret to his success on this surface in particular, Jannik Sinner added, “I feel like when someone hits fast, it's very difficult to change the pace of the ball. So this for sure helps me a lot playing indoors. In the same time, I also try to change the pace because it is essential and it is important, especially with the difference of the players you play against. But yeah, you don't have the wind, you don't have the sun. You always have the same feeling on the court. It also helps you to feel more and more comfortable, at least from my side.”

Since 2000, Sinner (2023-25) has become just the fourth player to reach 3+ consecutive semi-finals at the ATP Finals. This was also his seventh consecutive win in Turin.

As the tennis world continues to debate the balance of power between the sport’s young stars, one thing remains clear: when the roof closes, the light brightens, and the surface glistens, Jannik Sinner becomes almost unbeatable.

Sinner has played around 61 matches this season; he won 55 out of them and lost just 6. But what does he remember more, the wins or the losses? Replying to this question, the world number 2 said, “I remember both. The losses you learn more, of course. Because you’ll be more careful. You have more time to think about what you could’ve done differently. Of course I also do remember the great moments, the nice moments. I feel like it’s all about balance. Trying to understand what I’m doing great and where I still have to work on things. That’s it.”

Jannik Sinner will next face America’s Ben Shelton, while for Alexander Zverev it’d be the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. But before moving onto the next chapter, let’s check out what‌ Sinner and Zverev said about their epic battle in Turin.

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev on the fierce battle in Turin

The scoreboard might have read 6-4, 6-3, but anyone who watched Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev clash in Turin knows it was anything but straightforward. Under the bright lights of the ATP Finals, two of the game’s finest ball strikers went toe-to-toe in a contest that brimmed with intensity, precision, and respect.

For Sinner, this was more than just another victory—it was a statement. Playing on home soil, the Italian sensation fed off the crowd’s energy, his clean, flat groundstrokes echoing through the Inalpi Arena like rifle shots. Yet, even in victory, Sinner remained humbled.

This was Jannik Sinner’s third victory in 17 days against Alexander Zverev and also his fifth consecutive win against the German. What did Sinner say about the match after becoming the fourth player to collect 16+ ATP Tour 10 wins in back-to-back years?

While sharing thoughts about this epic duel, Sinner admitted, “Very, very competitive. Very close match. I felt like I served really well in important moments. I tried to play the best tennis possible when it mattered. Fortunately it went my way today. We both changed a bit tactically. We both tried to hit quite fast, quite flat. I’m very happy, how I returned the serve. It’s very difficult… the group I’m in, with Sascha, with Ben, it’s very difficult to return the serves. But I’m very happy, and let’s see what’s coming in the next round.”

There were moments in this match when we saw Alexander Zverev looking a bit frustrated. Once when he failed to break Sinner’s serve, Zverev seemingly yelled, “Oh my God,” in anger before putting his racket in his mouth.

During the post-match interview, Zverev said, “I think generally today the match, the biggest difference was how he was serving on the break points. I had more break points than him. I felt very good from the baseline, actually better than in Vienna almost, when we were in the rally.

To be honest, he had two chances to break me, and he used both of them. I had a lot of chances, and I didn't use any. The score was 6-4, 6-3, but in my opinion, my humble opinion, I felt like the match was closer than the score maybe says. I thought it was a very high-level match. I thought, especially from the baseline, we played very well.”

But this is how cruel the game can be at times, and according to Zverev, despite the loss, it was still a “good match.” According to him, Jannik Sinner used his chances better than him, and that’s exactly why the Italian ended up on the winning side.  

As Sinner moves forward, eyeing the ultimate crown at the ATP Finals, and Zverev regroups with fire in his eyes, both men will carry the lessons of this encounter. But what are your thoughts about their performances in this match?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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