Jannik Sinner concluded the year on a high note, successfully defending his title at the Nitto ATP Finals, defeating rival Carlos Alcaraz in a tightly contested match. The final score of 7-6(4), 7-5 reflects the intensity of the encounter, showcasing not only Sinner’s resilience but also his ability to handle pressure effectively.
“This match was incredibly close. Saving a set point in the first set was crucial, and I’m thrilled with how I responded under pressure,” Sinner commented after the match. His performance marked an impressive 31 consecutive wins on indoor courts, a feat he shares with legends John McEnroe and Boris Becker, as he became one of the few players to secure multiple ATP Finals titles on home turf in Turin.
The atmosphere inside the Inalpi Arena was electric, with Sinner leveraging the enthusiastic crowd to enhance his game from the outset. The 24-year-old exhibited aggressive baseline play, matching the dynamic style that Alcaraz has become known for. Sinner’s biggest challenge came at a pivotal moment when he faced a break point at 5-6 in the opening set. With remarkable composure, he saved the set point with a powerful second serve clocked at 117 mph.
Expressing gratitude for his team’s support, Sinner stated, “We are individual athletes, but without my team, this is not possible. Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year after such an intense last couple of months means there’s no better ending.”
In the second set, Sinner experienced a rare break of serve—his first conceded throughout the entire tournament—but quickly rebounded, leveling the score at 3-3 with a deft drop shot. He ultimately sustained his advantage against Alcaraz, inflicting a significant psychological impact on his opponent after two hours and 15 minutes of high-caliber tennis.
Despite having secured the Year-End No. 1 title earlier in the tournament by finishing a flawless round-robin stage, Alcaraz departed the event with newfound respect for his adversary. “I’m really happy with the level I played today,” he said during the trophy ceremony. “Jannik hasn’t lost on indoor courts for two years, which speaks volumes about his caliber as a player. It was an intensely fought final.”
Sinner’s victory narrows the head-to-head record with Alcaraz to 6-10, yet his triumphs at Wimbledon and now in Turin send a clear signal that the future of men’s tennis could be heavily influenced by their rivalry. “It was a tough match today; to play against Carlos means you have to be at your best,” Sinner reflected. “I served well at times, but he’s one of the top returners in the game.”
Having gone 10-0 in his last two appearances at the prestigious year-end event and boasting a perfect 5-0 record this week, Sinner leaves Turin not only as the champion but also with a historic payout of $5,071,000, the largest in the tournament’s history. His season wraps up with an impressive 58-6 record, having claimed titles in Melbourne, Wimbledon, Turin, Paris, Beijing, and Vienna. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s 71-9 record includes notable wins at the French and US Opens, showcasing the competitive landscape that these two elite players are shaping in the world of tennis.
