The 55th edition of the prestigious season finale concluded on Sunday with an enthralling title match, which saw Jannik Sinner producing an emphatic 6-4, 6-4 triumph in 85 minutes over world No. 5 Taylor Fritz on Sunday in Turin.
“It’s amazing, my first title in Italy, and it means so much to me,” he remarked.
“It’s something very special. I just tried to understand what works best for each opponent, trying to play my best possible tennis. That was the key.”
Following a much-anticipated rematch of their US Open championship match, the 23-year-old accomplished his 70th win this season, becoming the first Italian to capture the Nitto ATP Finals title in tournament history.
“It was a very high-level tournament from my side. At times, I couldn’t have played better, so I am very happy.”
The most consistent player all season and the American No. 1 player, who this year broke into the top 5 for the first time, kickstarted the opening set with fierce forehand exchanges, going toe-to-toe until the Italian capitalized on his opponent’s errors throughout a monumental sixth game to break serve, taking a clinical 4-3 lead.
Firing one ace after the other, he held at love to extend his advantage on his way to close out 6-4 in 41 minutes.
The 27-year-old from California was sharp behind his massive serve to keep his chances alive into the second set. However, Sinner quickly shut the door by striking backhands that would help dismantle his adversary strategy.
The top seed’s speed only added pressure over his in-form rival from the baseline. Eventually, the year-end world No. 1 in the Rankings prevailed 6-4 to pocket the set and the match, clinching his maiden title at the year-end event.
Fritz, who will reach a new career high of world No. 4 on Monday, shared his thoughts after the match, commenting: “It’s been a really good week for me; it’s a good way to end the year. It gives me a lot of confidence finishing the season like this.”
“Back when I was five [in the world], I didn’t feel like I was five. Now, I’m I feel like I belong. It’s a different feeling. It’s been a great year. That gives me a lot of confidence to have that belief. That’s a huge part of having the big results.”
Sinner was too strong, too solid to be denied his first title on home soil when bringing to the court his A-game, consisting of a vast, exquisite repertoire and superb court coverage.
The 17-time ATP titlist won 83 percent of the points on his first serve, 63 percent on his second delivery, converted 3 of 6 break point opportunities, and fended off the only break point he faced all match.
A standout year also sees him writing his name alongside the sport’s all-time greatest, becoming the first man to win the Finals without dropping a set since Ivan Lendl in 1986.
Furthermore, on Sunday, he joined 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic and tennis legend Roger Federer as the third player to win the Australian Open, US Open, and the ATP Finals in a single season.