World No 1 Jannik Sinner's ATP Finals Triumph

Nov 17, 2024 at 7:10 PM
In a Sunday showstopper, World No 1 Jannik Sinner emerged victorious, defeating American Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-4 6-4. This momentous win took place in front of his home fans in Turin, marking a significant milestone in his career. Sinner, the home favorite who had previously claimed the Australian Open and the US Open this year, became the first Italian to claim the ATP Finals title. He also etched his name in history as the first player to clinch the season-ending title without dropping a set since the legendary Ivan Lendl in 1986.

Super Fans' Support and Sinner's Emotions

Sinner's super fans flocked to Turin to show their unwavering support. Some even indulged in the unique act of eating carrots. Sinner himself expressed his amazement, stating, "It's amazing. It's been an amazing week – my first title in Italy and it's something very, very special. I tried to play the best possible tennis I can. That was the key. It was a very high-level tournament from my side and at times I couldn't play better so I'm very happy."

Season's Progression and Doping Case

As the season progressed, Sinner's game continued to improve. Despite the doping case that still loomed over his head and could potentially lead to a suspension, he remained focused and determined. His victory over fifth seed Fritz added to his remarkable streak, with 26 wins from his last 27 matches. This run included his second Grand Slam title at the US Open, two Masters 1000 trophies, and now the ATP Finals, having already triumphed at the Australian Open at the beginning of 2024. He had already defeated Fritz in the group stage, and in the decisive moments, it was once again the Italian who came out on top. He took a fourth chance to break serve at 3-3 before sealing the opening set, and another break in the fifth game of the second set was enough to complete the victory.

Fritz's Journey and Sinner's Obstacle

Fritz was the first American to reach the singles final since James Blake in 2006, aiming to become the first US champion this century. However, just like in the US Open final, he found Sinner to be an insurmountable obstacle. The 23-year-old celebrated in front of the jubilant home crowd, and the year still had one more high in store. Sinner was set to head to Malaga, where he would attempt to help Italy successfully defend the Davis Cup title.

Laura Robson's Perspective

Laura Robson on Sky Sports Tennis remarked, "Unsurprising [he won it] considering how well he’s played all week, how he’s played all year, when you think back to Australia. That gave him the belief that he could do it at a Grand Slam and from then on it was just outrageous tennis." Sinner has won 70 matches this year. He has lost only six and has won a set in EVERY single match he's played in 2024. This is almost unheard of! Novak Djokovic is perhaps the only player to have had a season like this where opponents seem lost and get few chances in a match. It's truly impressive as he shows no dips in his performance.

Tim Henman's Insights

Tim Henman, a six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, joked about joining Sinner's carrot-obsessed super fan club. He said, "From start to finish there’s been no lapses. In Australia he took his first Grand Slam title and then he’s kept building. He’s kept getting better and better and the confidence from that on every surface. The huge challenges he’s faced with the positive drugs test and then to round it off at home having already secured the No 1 ranking, but to play these five matches against the other top seven players in the world having not dropped more than four games in a set – it’s a statement to the rest of the men’s tour."

ATP Finals and Future Plans

The ATP Finals will remain in Italy through 2030, as announced by ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during the trophy ceremony. Gaudenzi did not specify whether the tournament would stay in Turin or move to Milan and the new ice hockey arena being built for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The Milan arena is expected to have a capacity of more than 16,000 for tennis, providing 4,000 more seats than the Inalpi arena in Turin. Additionally, Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, the streaming service NOW, and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost.