Italian
For the second consecutive year, Jannik Sinner wins the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and confirms his status as the King of the Masters. Defeated Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5
TURIN – A year after the success at the Nitto ATP Finals, Jannik Sinner reaffirms his position on the throne of the tennis “Masters.” On the indoor hard court of the ‘Inalpi Arena in Turin, here comes yet another final of the year between the Italian and the ATP number 1 Carlos Alcaraz. In their sixth meeting of the season (seventh if we count the final of the Six Kings Slam), the Italian wins 7-6(4) 7-5.
Two hours and 15 minutes of high-level match, where even the smallest mistake was heavily punished. This brings the South Tyrolean’s winning streak in Turin to 10 without losing a single set. The only one to achieve this before him was the Czech Ivan Lendl, in another sporting era.
At just 24 years old, Sinner adds his 24th title to his collection, the sixth of the season, with the golden nuggets from the two Slams in Australia and Wimbledon, and extends his record streak of consecutive indoor victories to 31. An immense dominance, seasoned by the healthy rivalry with Alcaraz (winner in the finals in Paris, New York, Cincinnati, and Rome) that is elevating both to the level of the greatest of all time.
The match
This is not a competition for the faint-hearted. You can tell from the very first moments, so much so that the match has to be interrupted due to yet another spectator’s illness. The game is played at an extreme speed, with most of the balls flying along the lines in the most incredible intersections.
The first to risk losing serve is Sinner in the twelfth game. But the Italian is good at hitting a second serve over 180 km/h, thus bringing the Spaniard to the tie break. Here, the twenty-four-year-old from San Candido makes the most of two mini breaks and closes the set at 7-4.
Alcaraz revs up the engine at the start of the second set and Sinner feels the pressure, conceding two consecutive double faults in the first game. This marks the first break he has suffered in the entire tournament. It’s a tough moment, but the blue player levels the match at 3-3 at the first opportunity.
Sinner risks again in the next game, but saves himself. The tie lasts until the twelfth game. It goes to deuce and this time the Italian closes it at the first Match Point. Sinner is once again the King of the Masters.
The statements
These are the words of Jannik Sinner at the end of the match:
“Thank you very much. I am learning a bit of Spanish but I am not yet able to speak in Spanish. Carlos, you and your team have had a fantastic season. So much work and so many moments to remember. We haven’t talked about it together yet, but you deserve the number one title and I am really happy that it is you who has taken my place. You are absolutely the player I look up to as a reference every time I step onto the court to train. All the fans are always happy to admire your energetic tennis. I wish you the best in the last tournament you have left to play [the Davis Cup from Tuesday in Bologna, ed.] and of course a good rest and we will see each other again next year for many more battles together.
I am extremely happy to have my complete box here. We have done an incredible job, especially in this final part of the season, and it means a lot to me.
Thanks to the Federation, to the ATP, to Nitto, you are all doing an incredible job and I know that behind such an event there is a lot of commitment. The level of this tournament is very high and all of us players feel at home, especially me here in Italy. Thank you very much to all the ball boys for your work, it has been a very long week. And one last thing… thank you all. The atmosphere has been incredible, it feels like being in a football field and I am very happy to be able to give you something positive to all of you.”
It’s time to speak to the ATP microphones:
“On the field we go alone but without my team this wouldn’t be possible. Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year, after such intense two months… there couldn’t be a better finale. It was a very, very tough match. I saved a set point in the first set and I am extremely happy with how I handled the situation, it means a lot to me.
“Today was tough. When you play against Carlos, you have to give your best. At times I served very well, but he is one of the best returners around, besides Novak of course. For me, it’s very important to finish the season this way.”
In the press conference, Sinner then responded:
“It has been a fantastic season just like last year. This year I reached four Grand Slam finals, I came here and won, I had this long winning streak at the end of the year. I feel like a better player compared to last year and that is the most important thing. It’s all part of a process. I believe that if you keep working and trying to be a better player, the results will come. At least, that has been the case this year. Many wins and few losses, and when I lost, I tried to see the positive side and evolve as a player.”
The blue player then spoke about the crucial moments of the match: the saved set point and then the break in the second set. “Those are certainly the two key moments. We both started making errors because we know each other well and know what we need to do. When you play a final against a very, very strong opponent, you tend to make a few more mistakes. It’s normal. But I believe we both had our tactics clear in mind. In the second set, the level rose, there were more rallies. Small details made the difference. I was lucky when I recovered the break with that mishit return, it has to be said. At the end of the set, it seemed to me that we were both playing great tennis”.
Jannik then answered questions about the theme of friendship: “We talked a bit about it with Darren. In his time, players used to have dinner together because teams weren’t that large. Today we tend to spend more time together with the teams. Besides Carlos and the Italians, I also have other players I feel very close to like Jack Draper and Reilly Opelka… But with Carlos, it’s also a bit different for reasons related to the court. We have a great relationship, a rivalry, but I feel we can still talk about everything. We are good friends off the court.
As I always say, December is very important for me as a player and as a team because we connect better, without the pressure of the tournament or the rush to go from one place to another. It is very important, not only for the work ethic but also for bringing the whole team together and understanding each other even better.”
These are the words of ATP number 1 Carlos Alcaraz:
“I am really happy with the level I showed today on the court. I lost to a player who hasn’t lost indoors in two years. Jannik, congratulations on the level of play you demonstrate on the court. Every match you lose – even if there are few – you always come back stronger. It has been a great year for you and now you need rest to be ready for next year because I can assure you that I will be. It was a trophy you truly deserved.
“I want to thank my team and my family, I am truly lucky to have you with me. It has been a long and fulfilling year. I gave my all on the field, I did everything possible but unfortunately today it wasn’t enough. But we will come back even stronger.
Photo Credits: Giampiero Sposito/FITP
