TURIN, Italy — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner made it two wins in two matches before his home fans at the ATP Finals, beating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday in a rematch of the U.S. Open final that the Italian also won in straight sets.
As the crowd chanted ''Ole, Ole, Ole; Sin-ner, Sin-ner,'' the local favorite gave them just what they came for by turning up his intensity when it mattered most.
Sinner survived a marathon service game midway through the first set then broke his American opponent with a huge forehand up the line on his first set point.
When Sinner produced a backhand passing shot up the line while on the run midway through the second set, he held his finger up to his ear to encourage the crowd to cheer louder.
''I read a little bit where he was playing and I just tried to pass him somehow because if not, it would have been a very easy volley for him,'' Sinner said. ''The crowd is helping me a lot. This is a very special occasion for me.''
Sinner saved the only break point that he faced and nearly matched Fritz with six aces to the American's seven.
Sinner, who beat Alex de Minaur in his opening match at the season-ending event for the top eight players, improved to 23-1 in his last five tournaments.
Earlier, Daniil Medvedev moved back into contention with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over De Minaur following a temper tantrum in his previous match.