TURIN, 18 NOV – Jannik Sinner won the ATP Finals yesterday after beating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to claim his first title at the season-ending event in Turin.
Sinner’s success on home soil was the latest highlight of a career in which the 23-year-old has won eight tournaments, including his first Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian and US Opens.
“It’s amazing, it’s my first title in Italy and it means a lot to me,” said Sinner.
“It’s something very special. I just try to understand what is best for each opponent, try to play my best tennis. That’s the key.
“It is a high-level tournament for me. At times, I couldn’t play well, so I’m very happy this time.”
The world number one, Sinner once again beat Fritz with straight set just as he did in the group stage and final of the US Open last September, improving his record on hard courts this year to 50-3.
Sinner was the first Italian to win the Finals, adding to the feat days after becoming the first from his country to top the year-end ATP rankings.
“I’m trying to make myself better than last year by trying to win this final. I am very happy to take on this challenge and share this success with the Italian audience,” said Sinner.
The first set went in Sinner’s favor after an exciting seventh game that lasted nine minutes and was eventually won on the final point.
Although Fritz tried to get up, he was unable to fight back and succumbed to his opponent’s superiority.
“With a good result, it was a great week for me,” said Fritz, who lost for the fourth time in five meetings with Sinner.
“I want to congratulate Jannik and his team because he played incredible tennis, really incredible.”
Sinner now heads to Malaga where he hopes to lead Italy to defend their Davis Cup title. – AFP
