Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to win the ATP Finals title as he earned a commanding straight-set victory over American Taylor Fritz in Turin.
World number one Sinner capped a superb year, in which he has also won the first two Grand Slam titles of his career, with a 6-4 6-4 win over the fifth-ranked Fritz.
With that victory - his 70th in 2024 - the 23-year-old became the first player to take the title at the season-ending ATP Finals without losing a set since Ivan Lendl in 1986.
Amid his remarkable successes in 2024, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion has also been embroiled in an ongoing doping controversy which has left his immediate future in the sport uncertain.
"It's amazing - it's my first title in Italy and it means so much to me," said Sinner, who was serenaded by the crowd as he returned to the court for his post-match interview.
"It's something very special. It was a very high level tournament from my side. At times I couldn't have played better, so I am very happy."
After a spectacular light show and dramatic music built the tension, Sinner received a hair-raising reception as he walked on to the court in front of his home support.
The home favourite rose to the occasion, losing just one point across his opening three service games before breaking Fritz’s resistance with a sumptuous drop shot on his fourth break point in game seven.
Sinner landed 16 winners and 10 aces in a clinical first-set display but needed to dismiss a first break point for Fritz before taking his second set point on serve.
However, Fritz, who lost the US Open final to Sinner in straight sets, was powerless to deny his unrelenting opponent and failed to create another opportunity.
The American, set to reach a career-high rank of world number four on Monday, hit long to concede a break in the fifth game of set two - and once again Sinner held his nerve to complete victory and delight the Turin crowd.
Fritz said: "It's been a really good week for me, it's a good way to end the year and gives me a lot of confidence. I have a good idea of what I need to improve, but I also feel like I'm playing very good tennis."
Earlier on Sunday, German eighth seeds Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz overcame top 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 players and eight doubles teams who have accumulated the most ranking points over the season.
The ATP confirmed following Sinner's win that the tournament will remain in Italy until 2030 - although location options "are under evaluation" after next year's event in Turin.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1358 HRS, NOV 18, 2024
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