Jannik Sinner wary of ATP Finals 2025 semi-final opponent Alex de Minaur – 'He doesn’t have a lot to lose, I do'

Jannik Sinner stretched his remarkable indoor hard court winning streak to 29 matches on Friday, dispatching Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6(3) in their round-robin encounter at the ATP Finals. Sinner believes his semi-final opponent Alex de Minaur has "not a lot to lose" and the pressure sits squarely on his shoulders as he attempts to reach a third consecutive final at the season-ending event.

Sinner continues ATP title defence with convincing win over Shelton

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Jannik Sinner believes Alex de Minaur will play with freedom when they meet in the ATP Finals semi-finals on Saturday, suggesting the Australian’s spirited resurgence in Turin has only heightened his own concentration.

Sinner’s hopes of finishing the season as world No. 1 ended on Thursday when Carlos Alcaraz completed a clean sweep in the Jimmy Connors group by defeating Lorenzo Musetti. That result left little on the line for Sinner in his final round-robin match against Ben Shelton beyond maintaining his unbeaten run.

He did exactly that on Friday, overcoming Shelton 6-3 7-6(3) to end the American's season. Though Sinner struggled to find rhythm on serve at times, he absorbed Shelton's aggression to extend his perfect week and stretch his indoor winning streak to 29 matches.

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"When you come here and win all three round-robin matches, you have to play at a very high level, which I’ve done," Sinner said.

"Serving very well in important moments has brought me to this point. It was a very special day playing in front of the home crowd, and against Ben, it’s always a tough challenge.

"When he comes up with a huge serve, you cannot do a lot, so you have to accept it. My mental aspect [has been] great until now, so let’s see what’s coming."

Sinner had already secured top spot in the Bjorn Borg Group, and with Alcaraz advancing, a potential championship-match showdown between the two rivals remains in play should both win their semi-finals.

Sinner will face De Minaur on Saturday, while Alcaraz - who topped the Jimmy Connors Group - awaits the winner of the winner-takes-all clash between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Reflecting on De Minaur’s path to the last four, Sinner praised the Australian’s response to adversity.

"I’m very happy for him," Sinner said of De Minaur, who rebounded from a heavy three-set defeat to Musetti on Tuesday by beating Taylor Fritz in straight sets.

Sinner 'very excited' to reach ATP Finals last four with Zverev win

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"When you have these kinds of losses, it’s tough. So props to him for coming back with an incredible performance against Taylor [Fritz]. I have to be very careful, because he doesn’t have a lot to lose... I have a lot to lose."

Sinner is aiming to reach the final of the season-ending tournament for the third straight year. The 24-year-old has not lost a set at the ATP Finals since he was beaten in the the 2023 title match by Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz presented with No. 1 trophy

Alcaraz was formally presented with the ATP year-end world No. 1 trophy before Sinner's match - an honour Sinner himself received last season.

The Spaniard secured top spot with his 6-4 6-1 win over Musetti on Thursday, a result that also sealed De Minaur’s place in the semi-finals.

"It is a pleasure for me (being) the No. 1," Alcaraz said.

"Being the No. 1 in the world is something that I’m working really hard for with my team every day. It is a goal. But I think it is a journey that you’re not going through alone.

Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) holds the 2025 Year-End ATP World No.1 Trophy presented by PIF during day six of the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 at Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, on November 14, 2025.

Image credit: Getty Images

"It’s with your whole team, with your family, with your close people behind you, always supporting you in the tough and good moments, which I’m really, really proud about, having such a great team."

"Some new members in the team that I'm really happy and proud to share this moment with them as well.

"For me, it’s a great achievement. It means the world to me and I’m just really proud and happy."

Meanwhile, Musetti has joined Sinner in withdrawing from Italy's Davis Cup squad ahead of next week's title defence in Bologna, citing physical and family reasons following his defeat to Alcaraz.

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