Jannik Sinner saw off close rival Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the ATP Finals title with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 victory after the Spaniard struggled with a hamstring injury.
An extremely tight and competitive first set saw no single break point conceded until Alcaraz forced set point, by which point the 22-year-old had already received treatment to his injured hamstring following an overstretch.
Instead, the first set entered a tiebreak, with Sinner coming out on top as Alcaraz proceeded to make a host of uncharacteristic errors.
Italy’s Sinner clinched the ATP Finals title on Sunday, eventually getting past Alcaraz
Alcaraz returned for the second set with heavy strapping to his leg, and pinched a break in the first game as Sinner struggled with his serve.
The Spaniard looked to intentionally be keeping points short due to his injury, and the key moment of the match saw a huge piece of fortunate go Sinner’s way when he sliced a service return into the air at break point following a legal double-hit – claiming the break with a drop shot with Alcaraz on the back foot.
A nervous Sinner eventually closed things out with a late second break of Alcaraz, just avoiding a second tiebreak as the latter produced a number of unforced errors.
Sinner: Title win represents more than tennis for me
Jannik Sinner speaking courtside after victory:
“This represents not only tennis, you know. We are individual athletes, obviously, but at the same time, without a team, this is not possible.
“Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year after such an intense last couple of months, there is no better ending for me and the season.
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Jannik Sinner was thrilled after beating his great rival Carlos Alcaraz to win the ATP Finals for the second straight time.
“It was a very, very tough and close match-up. I was set point down in the first set, but I’m extremely happy how I handled the situation. It means the world to me.
“It was tough. Playing against Carlos, you have to play at your best. I was serving very well at times. He is one of the best returners, if not the best returner in the game. I’m very happy.
“It was a very tough match, but it means a lot to me, ending the season like this. It’s amazing.”
Sinner’s victory sees him defend his ATP Finals crown from 2024
Alcaraz: I hope you are ready for next year Sinner, because I will be!
Carlos Alcaraz said following his defeat:
“I’m just really happy with the level that I played today, with the performance. I mean, I just played against someone that haven’t lost a match on an indoor court for two years now.
“A well deserved trophy. It is a great year for you. You know, it’s time to rest. Hope you are going to be ready for next year, because I will be ready.
It wasn’t to be for Spain’s Alcaraz after struggling through with an injury
“Hopefully we will play more finals against each other.
“It’s been a really long year, a really great achievement, and really great level through the whole year.
“It wasn’t to be to win this final, but I just want to let you know that I’m going to leave the court with the head really high. I left everything.”
Robson, Henman: Alcaraz’s hamstring played a part in how the final went
Sky Sports’ Laura Robson in Turin:
“For me, it felt like the hamstring played a bit of a part.
“It still looked like he was moving pretty well, but it certainly looked like he was conscious about keeping the points short.
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Laura Robson believes Alcaraz is the only player who can challenge Sinner on an indoor hard court
“So we saw him go even more power, even more with his returns, more variety trying to drop shot more.
“The tape on his his hamstring wasn’t doing anything by the end of the match, that had gone to pieces down his leg.
“We saw him try to do everything, as he had no choice against Jannik.
“But he enjoyed it, and that’s the best part!”
Sky Sports’ Tim Henman in Turin:
“If I’m honest, I do think the leg issue had a part to play.
“Alcaraz changed his style of play and looked to be much more aggressive coming forward, which he is capable of doing but I think he would have liked to extend the rallies (if not injured).
“The first set, he had his opportunities and Sinner was able to respond. It was a fascinating tiebreak with four or five drop shots all of a sudden.
“I think the crowd lifted Sinner, but I love Alcaraz afterwards with a smile on his face and a great perspective.
“The gap is wide between these two and the rest.”
