ATP M 1000 ROME. Italy
Jannik Sinner has completed the coveted Golden Masters in tennis to become only the second man after Novak Djokovic to win all nine Masters 1000 events, the biggest tournaments outside the Grand Slams.
Top-ranked Sinner’s 6-4, 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final of the Italian Open also made him the first Italian man to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.“There’s no better place to complete this set,” Sinner said after winning the title and accomplishing the feat on the red clay of the Foro Italico in Rome in front of jubilant home fans who finally saw the half-century-long wait come to an end.
“For an Italian, it’s one of the most special places we play tennis in. To win at least once in my career means a lot to me.”
Despite everything he has already won this season, Sinner admitted he still felt nervous heading into the final, given what was at stake. Those nerves showed early when the Italian dropped serve in his opening service game, but he gradually found his rhythm and powered his way to victory in the Italian capital.
“There was definitely a lot of tension, a lot of tough moments I had to go through, especially mentally,” Sinner said. “Not starting the match in a perfect way, but tried to stay as calm as possible mentally. I’m very happy about this achievement. I know what I played for today, so I’m really happy.”