Jannik Sinner produced a clinical display at the Madrid Open to become the first player in history to win five consecutive Masters 1000 events since the series was introduced in 1990.
The Italian top seed stormed to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over an out-of-sorts Alexander Zverev in the most one-sided title match (in terms of games dropped) to take place in the tournament’s history. Playing in his first Madrid final, Sinner dictated proceedings from the onset and forced his rival on numerous occasions to make mistakes. The performance continues his recent dominant record against Zverev, who has now been beaten nine consecutive times. In the last 14 sets the duo have played, Sinner has won all of them, with six of those achieved by conceding two or fewer games.
“I started very well in the match, breaking straight away, but he (Zverev) was not playing his best tennis today,” Sinner told the ATP during his on-court interview.
“I just tried to get ahead. I’m very happy about the level I’m playing, incredible winning one more title like this. It means a lot to me. It has been an incredible tournament.”
Sinner dominated proceedings from the onset against two-time former champion Zverev in the Spanish capital. The top seed stormed through the opening set in just 25 minutes, capitalising on a barrage of mistakes from his opponent. Zverev got broken the first time after hitting back-to-back errors in the second game before producing a nightmare service game to go down a double break. Nevertheless, credit should be given to Sinner for his persistent pressure and defensive play, which saw him win 26 of the first 37 points.
Sinner continued his ruthless performance into the second frame against world No.3 Zverev, who received a time violation when serving at 1-1 and then on the next point hit a backhand error to get broken once again. After just 53 minutes of play, the four-time Grand Slam champion moved to a game away from victory. Serving for the title, he eased to three championship points, converting his first with the help of a Zverev forehand error.
“It means a lot to me seeing these results,” Sinner commented.
“At some point, there is also going to be a down (lull), which is normal, but I’m very happy that I continue to believe in myself and showing up every day in every practice session, trying to put in the right work with the right discipline.
“To do so, you need to have the right team behind you, which I have, and I am happy about. This means a lot to all of us.”
Zverev is the second player to lose 10 or more Tour-level matches to Sinner after Alex de Minaur. Their head-to-head now stands at 10-4 in Sinner’s favour.
“Sorry for the final, it was not my best day,” the German said during the trophy presentation. “Congratulations to Jannik. Best player in the world by far at the moment.
“Really, no chance for most of the people, for us (players) at the moment, against you.”
Sinner is currently on a 28-match winning streak at Masters 1000 events, winning 56 out of 58 sets played. Madrid is his ninth Masters title and his 28th overall on the Tour.
Next up for Sinner is his home tournament, the Italian Open. Rome is the only Masters event the 24-year-old has yet to win.
