Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win his second ATP Finals championship, capping a landmark season for the Italian star
JANNIK SINNER defeats Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win his second ATP Finals championship, capping a landmark season for the Italian star.
TURIN: Jannik Sinner celebrated an emotional ATP Finals victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, retaining his title in front of adoring home supporters.
The Italian triumphed 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 against his Spanish rival to cap a remarkable season where he became Italy’s first Wimbledon champion.
“It’s an amazing season,” Sinner told reporters after his straight-sets victory.
“This year making four Grand Slam finals, coming here, winning here, having this big streak in end of the year, it’s amazing.”
The world number two emphasized his development as a player throughout the challenging season.
“I feel to be a better player than last year, I think this is the most important,” Sinner added.
Sinner collapsed to the court in relief after securing the championship point against Alcaraz.
The victory concluded a turbulent year that included a three-month ban after accidental contamination with banned substance clostebol.
“I was thinking about a lot and at the same time not a lot,” Sinner said of the match’s final moments.
“There was a lot of tension because if I lost that point we go into a tie-break and then it becomes a different match.”
The 24-year-old described this year’s emotional release as more powerful than his 2023 triumph.
Alcaraz lamented missed opportunities during the tightly contested final between the world’s top two players.
“Right now I have some points and some shots on my mind,” the Spaniard admitted.
“For example, the backhand volley that I missed. I missed a few of the backhand volleys which I’m really disappointed in.”
The world number one identified his backhand volley struggles as crucial to the match’s outcome.
Sinner’s victory marked his second win over Alcaraz this year despite losing the year-end top ranking to his rival. – AFP
