Jannik Sinner turned the primary Italian to win the ATP Finals title as he earned a commanding straight-set victory over American Taylor Fritz in Turin.
World primary Sinner capped an excellent 12 months, by which he has additionally received the primary two Grand Slam titles of his profession, with a 6-4 6-4 win over the fifth-ranked Fritz.
With that victory – his seventieth in 2024 – the 23-year-old turned the primary participant to take the title on the season-ending ATP Finals with out dropping a set since Ivan Lendl in 1986.
Amid his outstanding successes in 2024, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion has additionally been embroiled in an ongoing doping controversy which has left his speedy future within the sport unsure.
“It is superb – it is my first title in Italy and it means a lot to me,” stated Sinner, who was serenaded by the gang as he returned to the court docket for his post-match interview.
“It is one thing very particular. It was a really excessive stage match from my facet. At occasions I could not have performed higher, so I’m very glad.”
After a spectacular mild present and dramatic music constructed the strain, Sinner acquired a hair-raising reception as he walked on to the court docket in entrance of his house assist.
The house favorite rose to the event, dropping only one level throughout his opening three service video games earlier than breaking Fritz’s resistance with a luxurious drop shot on his fourth break level in recreation seven.
Sinner landed 16 winners and 10 aces in a scientific first-set show however wanted to dismiss a primary break level for Fritz earlier than taking his second set level on serve.
Nonetheless, Fritz, who misplaced the US Open closing to Sinner in straight units, was powerless to disclaim his unrelenting opponent and did not create one other alternative.
The American, set to succeed in a career-high rank of world quantity 4 on Monday, hit lengthy to concede a break within the fifth recreation of set two – and as soon as once more Sinner held his nerve to finish victory and delight the Turin crowd.
Fritz stated: “It has been a very good week for me, it is a great way to finish the 12 months and offers me numerous confidence. I’ve a good suggestion of what I would like to enhance, however I additionally really feel like I am taking part in superb tennis.”
Earlier on Sunday, German eighth seeds Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz overcame high seeds Marcelo Arevalo 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6) to win their first ATP Finals title.
The eight-day ATP Finals are contested by the eight singles gamers and eight doubles groups who’ve accrued essentially the most rating factors over the season.
The ATP confirmed following Sinner’s win that the match will stay in Italy till 2030 – though location choices “are underneath analysis” after subsequent 12 months’s occasion in Turin.
