Jannik Sinner has completed the Career Golden Masters after defeating Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 to win the Rome title.
The Italian extended his streak at Masters 1000 events as he has now won six consecutive titles at Masters 1000 level.
After a tricky start, Sinner bounced back and comfortably defeated Ruud to win his first Rome title and became the first Italian since Adriano Panatta since 1976 to win the title in Rome.
Sinner is only the second player in history to have won the Career Golden Masters after Novak Djokovic after the Serb achieved the feat in 2018.
After the match Sinner spoke of his delight of a history-making win on home soil, “I think this year was the 50th year since an Italian won and I am really, really happy,” Sinner told the ATP website.
“There was a lot of tension on both sides, it was not perfect tennis from both of us, but I am really happy. [It has been] an incredible past two and a half months. I try to put myself in the best possible position every time and do the best I can. Not every day is simple, but I am really, really happy.
“It was physical and very tough but I am very happy. I give big thanks to my physical team I have all year long, trying to keep up my body, which is as important as the tennis coaches, so I am really happy.”
After winning a sixth consecutive Masters 1000, Sinner has now won 34 consecutive matches at Masters 1000 level and is the youngest ever player to complete the Career Golden Masters.
Now, Sinner will bid to win the one big tournament he is yet to win in his career and that is Roland Garros having narrowly missed out last year as the Italian will start the tournament heavy favourite to go all the way.
As for Ruud it was disappointment although the Norwegian gave a good account of himself but ultimately fell to a fifth consecutive defeat to Sinner.
Speaking after the match Ruud congratulated Sinner on winning a historic Rome title, “I have to congratulate Jannik for his first title here,” Sinner explained.
“What you are doing this year is hard to describe with words. As someone who is also playing tennis at the highest level, to realise what you are doing is hard to describe. It is an honour to watch you play and to be able to share the court with you today in a beautiful arena at your home Masters 1000.
“Congratulations to you for making history for yourself, your country, your team. It is fantastic to witness.”
