Novak Djokovic is 40-19 in Masters 1000 finals, having faced losses against only seven opponents. Jannik Sinner is the latest player to topple Novak in a Masters 1000 title clash, achieving this in style at the Shanghai Masters. The Italian ousted the Serb 7-6, 6-3 for his fourth Masters 1000 crown, becoming the first player to defeat Djokovic in a Shanghai final. Sinner also joins an elite list of players, alongside Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev, who have kept Djokovic from generating break points in a Masters 1000 final.

Federer Halts Djokovic’s Return in Cincinnati 2012

Novak failed to generate break points for the first time in a Masters 1000 final during the Cincinnati 2012 final, where Federer dominated with a 6-0, 7-6 victory in just an hour and 20 minutes. Federer outplayed the Serb in the opener, with Novak suffering the only bagel in their rivalry!

• Federer’s Fifth Cincinnati Title
  The Swiss maestro broke Novak’s serve three times in the first set. Djokovic couldn’t find his rhythm, taking just 14 return points and failing to pressure Federer in his games.

Federer Repeats the Feat in Cincinnati 2015

Three years later, Federer once again denied Djokovic break points in the Cincinnati 2015 final, clinching his seventh and last title in Ohio with a 7-6, 6-3 win. Federer’s flawless serving throughout the week left Djokovic unable to challenge him in any return games.

• Masterclass Serving
  Federer didn’t drop serve once during the tournament, making him the second-oldest champion behind Andre Agassi.

Zverev Joins the List in Rome 2017

In Rome 2017, Djokovic met his third opponent who would deny him a break point in a Masters 1000 final: Alexander Zverev. The German sensation triumphed 6-4, 6-3, becoming the first U20 player to claim a Masters 1000 title since Djokovic himself a decade earlier.

• Flawless Serving by Zverev
  Zverev lost just nine points in nine service games, converting three of five break points to secure a remarkable victory over the four-time Rome champion.

Sinner Tames Djokovic’s Return in Shanghai

A few weeks ago, Jannik Sinner added his name to this exclusive list by defeating Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final. Like Federer and Zverev before him, Sinner did not face a single break point from Djokovic, using aggressive forehand play to break Novak in the second set and secure his victory.

• Sinner’s Key to Victory
  The Italian’s ability to pressure Djokovic’s backhand and excel in the shorter rallies earned him the title in style, cementing his place among tennis elites.