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Bridging the cybersecurity and business strategy gap

IN BRIEF:
• Today’s cyber risks go beyond technical vulnerabilities, where a breach can disrupt supply chains, damage brand reputation, and lead to significant financial losses.

• To mitigate cyber risks and protect business interests, cybersecurity must be integrated into the highest levels of decision-making, aligning security measures with the business’s overall objectives to enhance both security and performance.

• By embedding cybersecurity into the organization’s DNA, C-suite leaders can protect their assets, enhance innovation, and strengthen customer trust.

In the digital era, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern — it is a strategic imperative. As organizations embrace new technology to drive growth, the urgency for robust cybersecurity has escalated. However, many businesses still see cybersecurity as a separate function rather than a critical component of their overarching strategy. This disconnect can be costly, as cyber incidents have far-reaching consequences that threaten every facet of the enterprise.

For C-suite executives, integrating cybersecurity into the core business strategy is essential. Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, targeting intellectual property, business continuity, and customer trust. To effectively safeguard these assets, companies must bridge the gap between cybersecurity and business objectives, aligning them for maximum protection.

CYBERSECURITY: MORE THAN AN IT ISSUE
Traditionally, cybersecurity was relegated to IT departments as a defensive measure against data breaches, malware, and other threats. However, today’s cyber risks go beyond technical vulnerabilities. A breach can disrupt supply chains, damage brand reputation, and lead to significant financial losses. The average cost of a data breach in 2023 reached $4.45 million, underscoring the financial impact of cyber incidents.

High-profile ransomware attacks on global companies demonstrate that cyber threats are not just IT issues — they are business risks that demand executive attention. For businesses to thrive, cybersecurity must be viewed as a strategic priority that permeates all levels of the organization.

THE COST OF MISALIGNMENT
The misalignment between cybersecurity and business strategy stems from how risk is perceived at the executive level. While financial, market, and operational risks are often discussed in boardrooms, cybersecurity remains the domain of technical experts. As a result, cybersecurity measures frequently lag behind business initiatives like mergers, acquisitions, or digital transformation projects, leaving companies vulnerable.

This reactive approach can lead to crisis management scenarios rather than proactive risk mitigation. For example, adopting cloud solutions without fully assessing security implications exposes sensitive data to potential attacks. When cybersecurity is treated as an afterthought, companies are forced to respond to breaches rather than preventing them, resulting in increased costs and lost opportunities.

To mitigate cyber risks and protect business interests, cybersecurity must be integrated into the highest levels of decision-making. The goal is not just to prevent breaches but to align security measures with the business’s overall objectives, enhancing both security and performance.

EMBEDDING CYBERSECURITY IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Digital transformation initiatives aim to enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and streamline processes. However, these efforts can introduce new vulnerabilities if security is not embedded from the outset. For example, integrating internet of things (IoT) technologies or migrating data to the cloud can open up new attack vectors.

Cybersecurity should not be seen as a barrier to innovation but as an enabler. By incorporating security considerations into digital transformation, businesses can mitigate risks while maximizing the benefits of new technologies.

CYBERSECURITY AS A VALUE PROPOSITION
In industries such as financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce, where data breaches can have severe consequences, demonstrating robust cybersecurity practices can differentiate a business in the market. Customers are increasingly aware of how their data is handled, and a strong cybersecurity framework can foster trust and loyalty and create a competitive advantage.

By communicating the company’s commitment to data security, executives can build trust and position their brand as a leader in privacy protection.

INTEGRATING CYBERSECURITY INTO RISK MANAGEMENT
Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge; it is a critical component of enterprise risk management. A cyber incident can affect a company’s finances, operations, and reputation, making it essential to integrate security into the broader risk framework.

C-suite leaders and board members should regularly review cybersecurity performance metrics, monitor emerging threats, and ensure that security investments align with the company’s risk profile. This proactive approach enables companies to anticipate and address cyber risks before they escalate, protecting both the business and its stakeholders.

Effective cybersecurity requires collaboration across all business functions. From HR to finance and operations, each department plays a role in maintaining security. For example, HR can drive a security-first culture through regular training, while finance can ensure that security investments align with business goals.

The C-suite must foster cross-functional collaboration to create a unified approach to cybersecurity. Breaking down silos ensures that security considerations are embedded into every aspect of the business, enhancing resilience and maximizing RoI.

THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN CYBERSECURITY INTEGRATION
Successful integration of cybersecurity into business strategy requires strong leadership from the top. Executives must champion cybersecurity as a core business priority, actively participating in shaping security strategies and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

This begins with a shift in mindset: understanding that cybersecurity is not just about preventing breaches but enabling secure, long-term business growth. Regular communication between cybersecurity teams and the board ensures that the organization remains agile and prepared for emerging threats.

In an era of escalating cyber risks, companies that fail to align cybersecurity with their business strategy do so at their own peril. By embedding cybersecurity into the organization’s DNA, C-suite leaders can protect their assets, enhance innovation, and strengthen customer trust. Those that bridge the gap between cybersecurity and business strategy will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital age, turning security from a defensive measure into a strategic advantage.

To thrive in the digital age, executives must integrate cybersecurity into their business strategies, emphasizing the importance of aligning security with organizational goals for a holistic, proactive approach. 

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut is a technology consulting partner of SGV & Co.

PHL, Brunei tackle closer ties in agri, food, and RE

SENATE PRESIDENT Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero received Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan at the Senate on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. — SENATE OIRP/OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT

PHILIPPINE SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero and Brunei Ambassador to the Philippines Megawati Manan have discussed exploring closer cooperation in agriculture, food security, and renewable energy (RE) between both countries, a Senate office said at the weekend.

In a statement, the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau said Mr. Escudero updated Brunei’s envoy on Manila’s efforts to implement solar-powered irrigation to boost crop production.

“They also agreed on the importance of diversifying trade partners for food security where Ambassador Manan emphasized their growing interest in importing raw products from the Philippines,” the statement read.

Brunei has been sharing their expertise in the production of halal products with the Philippines. In August, Ms. Manan said at a forum that Brunei could also help the Philippines bring halal products to the Middle East.

In May, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said both countries would focus on developing two economic corridors, one of which will cover parts of Mindanao and Palawan, to boost linkages between regional supply chains.

Moreover, the Senate president and diplomat also discussed the importance of allowing long-term land leases for foreigners.

Senators are tackling at the committee level Senate Bill No. 2717, which will amend the Investors’ Lease Act through the extension of lease of private land, excluding agricultural land, to 99 years from the current 75. The bill is among the priority measures of the Marcos administration.

Under the measure, filed by Mr. Escudero in July, investors may also sublease a leasehold interest on a property, subject to the provisions of the original contract.

The Senate president told the envoy that the chamber eyes passing the bill before the year ends.

“Attracting foreign investors has been a long-standing priority of the government, spanning several administrations.” the Philippine Senate president said in the bill’s explanatory note.

They also briefly discussed the implications of the law on delineating maritime zones, as well as the recently-signed Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, which seeks to build up the country’s defense industry.

The Philippine Congress have approved two complementary bills, the Maritime Zones Act and The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, awaiting signature. The President also recently enacted a measure that will boost local production of defense equipment. – John Victor D. Ordoñez

Ombudsman clears ex-DoH chief

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE OMBUDSMAN has cleared former Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III of grave misconduct charges related to the illegal fund transfer of over P41 billion from the Health department to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) between March and December 2020 to purchase coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) medical supplies and equipment.

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires cleared the Duterte administration’s Department of Health (DoH) secretary of grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty as Mr. Duque had already severed ties with the government when former President Rodrigo R. Duterte left office on June 30, 2022.

“Following the Supreme Court’s pronouncements in Andutan as further clarified in Jamorabo, this Office is constrained to hold that Duque is ‘no longer the proper subject of an administrative complaint’ in connection with the irregular fund transfers to PS-DBM during his stint as DoH Secretary,” it said in a 10-page order. It also said it found no evidence that Mr. Duque’s separation was attended by bad faith.

The Ombudsman earlier this year ruled Mr. Duque administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service concerning the series of fund transfers by the DoH from March to December 2020 to PS-DBM totaling over P41.46 billion.

The funds were transferred to outsource DoH’s procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies and equipment to PS-DBM sans compliance with the requirements by law.

The Ombudsman earlier said the arrangement where PS-DBM was brought in as DoH’s procurement agent resulted in a more complicated process, inconsistent with the purpose of hastening project implementation. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Mother tongue law slammed

PHILIPPINE STAR/ EDD GUMBAN

A CONGRESSMAN on Sunday slammed the lapsing into law of a measure discontinuing the use of mother tongue in the classroom for early learners, saying the move is a “step backward” in honing students’ sense of nationalism and critical thinking skills.

“Removing the Mother Tongue as a medium of instruction is a step backward from providing better quality education to the youth,” Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino. “Abandoning the Mother Tongue is turning away from our country’s various languages and their contributions to the diverse cultures we have.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. inaction on the measure allowed it to lapse into law, going in the books as Republic Act No. 12027, ceasing the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction for kindergarten to grade 3 students.

The new law mandated the use of Filipino and English as mode of classroom instruction, relegating regional languages as “auxiliary media” for class discussions. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Minimal NAIA disruption assured

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

SAN MIGUEL-LED New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is in talks with airline companies to ensure smooth transition and minimal disruption on operations for the closure of Terminal 4 for renovation.

“Our goal is to make Terminal 4 more comfortable and efficient for travelers. While there may be some temporary disruptions, we appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we work to deliver these much-needed improvements,” NNIC said in a media release over the weekend.

NNIC said the Terminal 4 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is scheduled for renovation and upgrade beginning Nov. 6 to improve the terminal’s overall infrastructure and passenger flow.

The upgraded new terminal will reopen in February 2025.

NNIC has yet to disclose the investment cost of Terminal 4 renovation, but the group said previously that it is allocating P123.5 billion for overall capital expenditure of the NAIA project.

NNIC formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium is composed of San Miguel Corp.; RMM Asian Logistics, Inc.; RLW Aviation Development, Inc.; and Incheon International Airport Corp.

For now, all airlines operating at Terminal 4 will relocate to Terminal 2, the new NAIA operator said, adding that on average Terminal 4 manages about 2,900 passengers per day or about 2.23% of NAIA’s total daily passenger volume.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific, operated by listed Cebu Air, Inc. said it is relocating the operations of its regional brand Cebgo to Terminal 2 from Terminal 4 effective Nov. 7.

Cebu Pacific said flights to Busuanga (Coron), Caticlan (Boracay), Cebu, Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, San Jose, Siargao, and Surigao will be transferred to Terminal 2.

Boutique airline AirSWIFT Transport, Inc., which was recently acquired by Cebu Pacific is also transferring its operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 starting Nov. 5.

NAIA’s private operator, NNIC took over the operations and maintenance of NAIA on Sept. 14.

According to NNIC, its terminal reassignment plan is to designate Terminal 1 for Philippine Airlines, Terminal 2 for domestic flights, Terminal 3 for all foreign airlines including Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines’ international flights, and Terminal 4 for AirAsia Philippines’ domestic operations. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

DILG, Trade chiefs await CA action

THE Commission on Appointments (CA) has received the appointment papers of recently installed Cabinet members of the Marcos administration, a congressman said on Sunday, noting the body can’t formally deliberate their nominations as Congress is still on break.

The constitutional committee already has on file Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, Jr. and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque papers, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel, an assistant minority leader of the body, said.

“We won’t be able to tackle [their] appointment for now because Congress is adjourned. We are not in session,” he said in a statement.

He said the newly appointed Cabinet officials could still perform their duties while awaiting confirmation from the CA, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s ability to make interim appointments, empowering nominated officials to immediately perform their responsibilities.

Mr. Remulla, younger brother of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, last week replaced former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr., who is eyeing a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections.

Ms. Roque sat as acting secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Aug. 2, taking the reins after ex-Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual’s resignation from the post on Aug. 1. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Another Blaan gets social work license 

LEADERS of the Blaan and T’boli tribes in South Cotabato attend a recent forum. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

KORONADAL CITY — Blaan tribal leaders and a private company had produced another licensed social worker through a joint community-empowerment initiative that bankrolled the schooling of 793 graduates of different college courses in the past seven years.

Radio reports here and in nearby Central Mindanao cities on Sunday stated that Raida G. Castroverde, who is from an impoverished ethnic Blaan family in Barangay Pula Bato in Tampakan town in South Cotabato, passed the 2024 social worker licensure examination with the help of the Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI), and tribal leaders in the municipality.

Ms. Castroverde was quoted in Sunday’s radio reports as saying that she is grateful to the SMI for having funded her four-year college education and her licensure review classes.

Up to 46 beneficiaries of the college scholarship program of the SMI and Blaan tribal councils had become licensed social workers in recent years, according to local executives in different towns in region 12, among them Vice-Mayor Naila M. Mamalinta of Columbio and Mayor Theresa D. Constantino of Malungon.

Domingo N. Collado, indigenous people’s mandatory representative to the Tampakan municipal council, told reporters on Sunday that about half of the 789 beneficiaries of the SMI’s college scholarship program who are now teachers, engineers, social workers, agriculturists and veterinarians, are from marginalized Blaan communities. — John Felix M. Unson

Grenade blast rocks BARMM health minister’s office

COTABATO CITY — A grenade blast ripped through the surroundings of the office of the Bangsamoro regional health minister at almost midnight Saturday.

Villagers in houses around the office and clinic of the physician-ophthalmologist Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. said on Sunday morning that the bombing was perpetrated by two men riding a motorcycle together.

fficials of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Navy’s 5th Marine Battalion, separately told reporters on Sunday that the grenade attack was possibly only meant to scare Mr. Sinolinding.

Mr. Sinolinding has no known enemies and is popular for his humanitarian missions benefiting poor Muslims, Christians and members of non-Moro indigenous tribes afflicted with cataract, pterygium and other eye problems.

Police bomb experts and an ordinance disposal team from the 5th Marine Battalion, whose headquarters is just a block away from the blast scene, recovered fragments of what could either be an M61 or MK2 fragmentation grenade that went off on the ground about three meters away from the entrance to the office and clinic of Mr. Sinolinding.

Sinolinding, who was designated as regional health minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) only last May by BARMM’s chief minister, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, was appointed as member of the region’s 80-seat parliament by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in August 2022.

He had also served as regional health secretary of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which got replaced with a more empowered BARMM via a plebiscite in 2019, a product of 22 years of peace talks between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. — John Felix M. Unson

Philippine Azkals go for gold in seven-a-side against Japan

PHILIPPINE AZKALS — AZKALS

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia — Ten years after last contending for a coveted international football crown, the Philippine Azkals are hunting for gold in the game of seven-a-side.

Continuing their unbeaten charge from group play, the Azkals walloped semifinal rival Hong Kong (HK) on wet conditions on Saturday at the EV Arena, 6-1, to get a crack at the Asia 7s diadem against powerhouse Japan.

The Azkals admit it will take a herculean effort to defeat the Japanese and go all the way this time after previously settling for the silver medal as an 11-a-side crew back in 2014 in the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives. They dropped a 0-1 loss to Palestine in the Last Dance then.

“It’s going to be a tough game so we’re going to have to go out and give it our all,” said scoring ace Mark Hartmann.

“All their players (Japanese) have played in 7s before and a lot of us are first-timers. But I back my teammates and I think we really have a good team and we stand a good chance.”

Coach Hamed Hajimehdi shared Mr. Hartmann’s confidence.

“We have a plan for Japan,” said the Iranian mentor. “I think individually, 1v1, we have a chance.”

Mr. Hartmann and Co. warmed up for the massive challenge against Japan with a five-goal pounding of HK. The Japanese took care of business in the F4 against host Malaysia, 3-0.

Hartmann struck thrice (sixth, 12th and 32nd) while Nano Amita shot a brace and Daisuke Sato, back after suspension from a red card in  group play, scored the opening goal to seal the finals-clinching win over Hong Kong. — Olmin Leyba

Mets’ next task: Stop Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers in NLCS

LOS ANGELES — The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will be an oversized affair starting on Sunday, when the top two markets roll out a superstar as the New York Mets visit the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Mets’ Francisco Lindor has risen to the occasion, fighting through a late-season back injury to first get New York into the playoffs and then provide the charge that got the club through the wild-card round and the division series.

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani not only made his team a must-see experience, but he was a steadying force throughout a season when the roster was crushed with injuries. His historic season of 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases helped his club to the best record in the majors.

Game 1 will feature a matchup of right-handers: the Mets’ Kodai Senga facing the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty.

Senga made just one regular-season start because of shoulder and calf strains before giving up one run over two innings in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies. He could go as many as three innings on Sunday.

Senga made one start against the Dodgers in 2023, giving up one run over six innings in a no-decision in mid-July.

Flaherty went 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA (earned run average) in 10 starts after going to the Dodgers in a trade-deadline deal from the Detroit Tigers. He gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings and took the loss in Game 2 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres. He has faced the Mets just once, leaving with a no-decision after allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings in 2019 while with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lindor put the Mets on his back over the final two months of the season. In 44 games, he batted .320 with a .956 OPS (on-base plus slugging) as New York clung to a wild-card spot. The Mets overcame a slow start at 11 games under .500 in early June and were as many as 17 1/2 games off the pace in the NL East shortly thereafter.

“I think I’ve seen a different gear probably three months ago,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of Lindor.

The Mets clinched their playoff spot on the final day of the regular season and are on a 5-2 run in the postseason, having eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild-card round and the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Division Series.

For all Lindor did down the stretch, his most impactful blow was a sixth-inning grand slam to decide the 4-1 NLDS-clinching victory over the Phillies.

“I want to win it all,” Lindor said after the Mets advanced to an NLCS for the first time since 2015. “And ours will be a team that will forever be remembered. This will be a team that comes every 10 years and eat for free everywhere they go. But the job is not done.”

It took just one season of a 10-year, $700 million contract for Ohtani to seal his legacy in L.A. He did not play in the field this season after elbow surgery last year, but his never-before-seen production has made him the NL favorite for MVP.

Ohtani has been relatively quiet in the five postseason games, going 4-for-20 (.200) with 10 strikeouts, but he did hit a home run in Game 1 against the Padres. It was the second playoff at-bat of Ohtani’s career.

With multiple starting pitchers injured and nagging injuries in the lineup, the Dodgers’ heroics have come from an unexpected place. Los Angeles’ bullpen was key in holding the Padres without a run over the final 24 innings of the NLDS as the Dodgers overcame a 2-1 series deficit.

Mookie Betts, Will Smith, Gavin Lux, Enrique Hernandez and Teoscar Hernandez all hit home runs over the final two games to eliminate the Padres.

“I’ll say this: I haven’t been a part of as much adversity as this ballclub has had,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And not one time have we made an excuse or given ourselves an out to not win 11 games in October. … That’s why I told the guys in the clubhouse, I’ve never believed in a group of guys more than this group. I really haven’t.” — Reuters

Bacyadan captures gold in Asian Kickboxing Championships

HERGIE BACYADAN — REUTERS

HERGIE BACYADAN is a Filipino athlete with many hats.

Over the weekend, Ms. Bacyadan, who saw action in boxing in last August’s Paris Olympics, showed one of it after she delivered one of the Philippines’ four gold medals in the Asian Kickboxing Championships in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The 29-year-old Kalinga Apayao fighter overwhelmed Chinese Jinwei Teng in the women’s K1-70-kilogram (kg) division via abandonment to add another feather to her cap.

That kickboxing gold was another feat for Ms. Bacyadan, who was world vovinam champion last year apart from his many accomplishments as a boxer and a wushu practitioner in the past.

The triumph also secured her a spot to the World Combat Games slated next year in Chengdu, China.

It was one of the four golden performances by the country in the Cambodian capital as Carlo Von Buminaang reigned supreme in the men’s 67 kg lowkick category on Sunday and Jovan Medallo, who scooped up a pair of mints in the musical forms with weapon and open hand on Saturday.

Janah Lavador also picked up three bronzes in musical forms with weapon, without weapon and creative form with weapon sections.

Chipping in a bronze apiece were Renza Dacquel (women’s lowkick 48 kg), Lance Airon Villamer (men’s point fighting under 63 kg) and Daryl Chulipas (men’s full contact under 51 kg).

Ms. Bacyadan has already revealed right after she went home from her Paris Games stint that she will venture in other sports including kickboxing where she has proven to be world class. — Joey Villar

Djokovic beats Fritz to set up Shanghai final with Sinner

SHANGHAI, China — Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to his 100th ATP title on Saturday when he beat American seventh seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 7-6(6) in the Shanghai Masters semifinals to set up a title decider against top-ranked Jannik Sinner.

Earlier on Saturday, Sinner secured the year-end world number one ranking by beating Czech 30th seed Tomas Machac 6-4 7-5 and becoming the first Italian to reach the final.

Djokovic, the 24-times Grand Slam champion, will play his fifth final in the tournament’s history, looking to claim his 100th ATP title as well as his fifth Shanghai Masters crown.

Fourth seed Djokovic came into the match with a remarkable 9-0 head-to-head record against Fritz and immediately turned up the pressure in the opening game, forcing the American to successfully defend three break points.

The Serbian kept Fritz on the ropes with his powerful and precise groundstrokes, using his backhand to devastating effect as he racked up three more break points at 2-2.

Fritz was only able to fend off one before sending a backhand flying wide, with the break proving decisive as Djokovic wrapped up the opener with his first ace of the match.

US Open finalist Fritz built up some momentum in the second set after holding serve in a tight game where Djokovic landed a series of spectacular passing shots, before earning his first two break point opportunities of the match at 4-3.

Djokovic was able to hold but sustained a hip issue and needed treatment on court before taking the set into a tiebreak, with a wasteful Fritz struggling to land first serves and tamely relinquishing the match.

SINNER ADVANCES
Machac made a promising start against Sinner by winning the opening two games before the Italian got on the board, with the top seed closing out a hard-fought first set in 44 minutes after errors flew from the 30th seeded Czech’s racket.

The twice Grand Slam champion was made to work hard by Machac, even more so in the second set, but Sinner proved too solid for his fellow 23-year-old as he sealed his 64th win of the year while making just nine unforced errors.

The Italian’s dominant season has seen him win his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open and another at the US Open. He is the first Italian to finish the year as world number one.

“It’s amazing. It’s something you dream of when you’re a kid, when you’re young. Just to reach the number one spot, now but to have the year-end… it’s also a different and special feeling,” Sinner said. — Reuters

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