Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic Prediction: Djokovic is no pushover

The final of the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters in 2024 puts together two of the most in-form players of the season, namely Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Currently ranked as the World No. 1, Sinner faces 4th-ranked Djokovic. This is not only a fight between generational talents but also one between players who have faced each other at the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year, which Sinner won. Coming into the match, both were in great form, having each won nine of their last 10 matches. This final could be defining, with Djokovic trying to extend his dominance in Shanghai and Sinner aiming to further solidify his top ranking.

Currently, Jannik Sinner is the man to beat as he has gone 9-1 in the last 10 matches, defeating Tomas Machac 2-0 in the semifinal. Serving was his strong point as he hit 10 aces and had an excellent second-serve win percentage of 96% in the last match. His return game, especially against second serves, where he won 50%, is threatening to any player.

Sinner will hope to carry the momentum of his serving into this encounter-most particularly in getting a high percentage on second serves to take away Djokovic's return game. Sinner is at his best when he is able to control with his strong groundstrokes. He'll want to bring Djokovic into the baseline rallies and seek chances to finish off the points with his forehand. Pressurizing Djokovic's serve by mixing deep returns with ones hit at short angles will also be important in trying to unsettle Djokovic from the beginning of the rallies.

In fact, Shanghai champion four times Djokovic also goes into the final with the best form. Against Taylor Fritz in his semifinal win, Djokovic was displaying his serving precision-70% first serves in and winning 100% of his second serve points. The ability to save break points-100%-and return effectively has always been hallmarks of his success.

The return game of Djokovic is the stuff of legends, and he will aim to nullify the powerful serving of Sinner by standing in very well inside the baseline and putting pressure on the second serve.

Long rallies await Djokovic's game to wear down opponents successfully. He will look to extend the rallies and force the young Italian to overhit.

Djokovic often prides himself on wearing down opponents by stretching them wide on the court. He is most likely to try and push Sinner onto his backhand side, forcing errors from the Italian's less consistent wing.

It currently stands at 4-3 in favor of Djokovic, though Sinner did take their most recent meeting at the semifinals of this year's Australian Open. The victory was seen as some sort of breakthrough for Sinner, who gained further confidence that he really could beat Djokovic on the big stages. Historically, however, Djokovic has dominated this rivalry most, especially on hard courts.

The rise of Sinner to World No.1 has been fuelled by his all-around game, but Djokovic remains the ultimate test, more so in a tournament like Shanghai, where he has won four times and goes into the match with a 34-5 record. One should not underestimate the ability of Djokovic to perform in finals, particularly at the Masters 1000 level, as he knows how to handle high-pressure matches and currently boasts 40 Masters 1000 titles to his name.

The opposite story is Sinner, who is one of the in-form players of his life. Apart from his excellent consistency from the back of the court, improved serve statistics might make him really dangerous. However, Djokovic still possesses one of the strongest mental strengths and tactical adaptabilities during finals, which gives him a slight advantage. The main tussle is expected on the second serve and return as both opponents are at their best.

• Over 22 Games @ 1.6 Odds
• Over 22.5 Games @ 1.78 Odds
• Total 3 Sets @ 2.20 Odds