SHANGHAI: World number one Jannik Sinner had a surprisingly straightforward 6-1, 6-4 victory over an injured Daniil Medvedev on Thursday to reach the Shanghai Masters semifinals, where he could face chief rival Carlos Alcaraz.
In the first set, which lasted only 25 minutes, the Italian broke Medvedev in the second and sixth games to murmurs of surprise from the crowd.
The Russian kept holding his shoulder which he sadi had “some niggles” the day before and received medical attention several times during the match.
“I’m obviously very happy, I think we know each other very well... It was a very tactical match,” said Sinner.
“It’s a great feeling to be in the semis here, it’s a very special tournament.”
This was the fifth time Medvedev and Sinner have met in the latter stages of tournaments this year.
Sinner beat Medvedev in the semifinals in Miami, the quarter-finals of the US Open and in the Australian Open final, but the Russian ended the Italian’s hopes in the last eight at Wimbledon in an epic five-set battle.
In the Shanghai semifinal, Sinner could meet Alcaraz again after the Spaniard defeated him at the China Open final in Beijing last week.
Alcaraz will later on Thursday play Czech Tomas Machac in the last eight.
Sinner crushes Medvedev to set up potential Alcaraz Shanghai semi
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Sinner crushes Medvedev to set up potential Alcaraz Shanghai semi
- In the first set, the Italian broke Medvedev in the second and sixth games to murmurs of surprise from the crowd
- Sinner beat Medvedev in the semifinals in Miami, the quarter-finals of the US Open and in the Australian Open final
Ex-Man United star Lingard scores on tearful farewell to South Korea
- Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard signed off with a goal in his final game for FC Seoul before bidding a tearful farewell to South Korean football after two seasons
SEOUL: Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard signed off with a goal in his final game for FC Seoul before bidding a tearful farewell to South Korean football after two seasons.
The 32-year-old former England international scored the opener in Seoul’s 1-1 draw at home to Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night, having announced days before it would be his last appearance for the club.
Lingard, who made 60 appearances for FC Seoul, broke down in tears after the match as he watched a video on the big screen which paid tribute to “Our beloved captain.”
“Your name and legacy will always be remembered in the history of our club,” it said. “Seoul will always be your home. Thank you, our captain.”
Lingard, who joined the club in February last year, addressed and applauded the home fans before hugging his team-mates during a lap of honor.
He said on the eve of the game that he had spent “a happy two years” in South Korea.
“I’ve learned a lot, I’ve become more mature, I’ve had a lot of responsibility this year being captain,” said the attacking midfielder, who played 32 times for England, including in the 2018 World Cup semifinal.
“I can leave South Korea more mature, I believe.”
Lingard coolly slotted home in the 31st minute to put Seoul in front and celebrated with a Michael Jackson-style moonwalk.
Melbourne equalized midway through the second half.
