Daijiworld Media Network - Rome

Rome, May 18: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner etched his name into tennis history after winning the Italian Open title in Rome, becoming the first Italian men’s singles champion at the tournament since Adriano Panatta’s victory in 1976.

Sinner defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to clinch his sixth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title and his maiden crown in Rome. The victory also marked his 10th Masters 1000 trophy overall.

With the achievement, the 24-year-old joined Novak Djokovic as only the second player in ATP history to complete the prestigious Career Golden Masters — winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments at least once. Djokovic previously accomplished the feat in 2018.

Speaking after the win, Sinner expressed his delight at ending Italy’s long wait for a home champion at the tournament.

He admitted the final was tense and not the cleanest display of tennis from either player, but described the past few months as extraordinary. The Italian star added that despite physical and mental challenges, he has consistently tried to perform at his highest level.

Backed by a passionate home crowd in Rome, Sinner overcame an aggressive start from Ruud before gradually taking control with his powerful baseline game and trademark consistency. After sealing victory in one hour and 44 minutes, he celebrated emotionally with his team courtside.

Questions had been raised over Sinner’s fitness heading into the final after a physically demanding semifinal against Daniil Medvedev. That match had stretched over two days due to rain interruptions, with Sinner appearing exhausted at times during the contest.

However, the Italian looked fresh and composed in the championship match, moving confidently throughout the encounter against Ruud, who had reached the final after a dominant semifinal victory over Luciano Darderi.

Following the match, Sinner credited his fitness and support staff for helping him maintain peak physical condition throughout the demanding season.

Ruud, meanwhile, praised Sinner’s remarkable form and achievements, calling his level of tennis difficult to describe even from the perspective of a fellow top-level professional. He said it was an honour to compete against Sinner in front of the Italian crowd and witness the history-making moment firsthand.