How Jannik Sinner beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer records with victory over Arthur Fils to reach Madrid Open final

React to this story

Jannik Sinner continued his charge towards a fourth consecutive ATP title with victory over the resurgent Arthur Fils to reach the Madrid Open final.

Jannik Sinner celebrates a victory earlier in the tournament

Image credit: Getty Images

In doing so, Sinner, 24, made history as the youngest man to reach the final of all nine ATP 1000 Masters events.

Per ATP, he beat Novak Djokovic (25), Rafael Nadal (27), and Roger Federer (30) in completing the set of final appearances.

Such has been the world No. 1's dominance at the summit of the men's game in recent months that he has not suffered defeat since February 19 - when he was eliminated from the Qatar Open by Jakub Mensik.

US Open Mixed Doubles -

Djokovic to partner Sabalenka in US Open mixed doubles, but Alcaraz, Sinner among absentees

28/07/2026 at 18:01

His 6-2 6-4 victory over Fils marked his 22nd win in succession - 27th at ATP 1000 events - while he has now only dropped two sets in 10 matches since the tennis season shifted to clay.

Fils enjoyed a remarkable run of form since returning from a back stress fracture in February, making deep runs in Qatar, at the Miami Open and Indian Wells, as well as claiming the Barcelona Open title in April.

”I knew it before the match, he is one of the best players in the world at the moment,” Sinner said of Fils. ”I’m very happy that I played against him. He is very good for tennis, for the sport.”

With the French Open on the horizon - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - the 21-year-old has played himself into contention for a strong run at his home Slam, but he could not find a way to trouble Sinner - who appears a nailed-on favourite for the title, particularly in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni watches the action with his partner

Image credit: Getty Images

In a dominant opening set on Friday - with Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni watching from the stands - the Italian applied immediate pressure on Fils, forcing three deuces before he could secure an eventual hold.

But Fils could not withstand the early onslaught, and succumbed to a double-break, which was consolidated, and had him chasing the opening set at 5-1 down.

Sinner was clinical in taking the set lead, wrapping it up inside 40 minutes, losing just four service points.

While the second set was far more competitive, Fils could not find the solution to seizing Sinner's serve. He did not manage to carve a single break point before the four-time Grand Slam title winner dealt a timely and decisive blow with a break to 30 to take a 5-4 lead.

Sinner astutely served out the match to set up a final against either world No. 2 Alexander Zverev or Belgian breakout star Alexander Blockx.

”I tried to be very aggressive,” Sinner said. ”I felt very comfortable on the return. In the second set, he started to serve better, so it was more difficult.

"But I’m very happy about the general performance today. I’m trying to play the best possible tennis, but today was a very good day in the office.”

Should he romp to another title, Sinner would become the first man in tennis history to win five consecutive ATP 1000 titles, a run comprising the Paris Masters, Indian Wells, Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to stream live on HBO Max.

Montreal Men's Singles -