Sinner qualifies for the semi-finals while Fritz has to wait after beating De Minaur at the ATP Finals

TURIN, Italy (AP) — High ranking Jannik Sinner became the first player to advance to the semifinals of the ATP finals on Thursday.

Sinner was then assured of a place in the last four US Open finalist Taylor Fritz defeated Alex de Minaur 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in their group.

Sinner won his first two matches and will play Daniil Medvedev later. Last year, Sinner lost the final to Novak Djokovic, who withdrew injured this year.

Fritz also has two wins and has a chance to advance, while Medvedev is still in contention and could get two wins by beating Sinner. De Minaur was mathematically eliminated without any victory in his finals debut.

The top two finishers from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The Sinner-Medvedev match will determine whether the other qualifier is Fritz or Medvedev.

“If I don’t get through it, it will be difficult because I played two very good games and lost to the best player in the world,” Fritz said of his defeat to Sinner. “But when that happens, I’m happy with my week and I leave with my head held high. But I will definitely check the score tonight.”

Alexander Zverev leads the other group ahead of Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev.

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