Jannik Sinner defeated close rival Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 to claim the ATP Finals title despite the Spaniard suffering from a hamstring injury.
In a very close and competitive first set, Alcaraz didn’t concede a single break point until he forced a set point, by which point the 22-year-old was undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury he sustained from overstretching.
Instead, the first set went into a tiebreak, with Sinner coming out on top as Alcaraz made a series of uncharacteristic mistakes.
Italian Sinner won the ATP Finals title on Sunday, defeating Alcaraz in the final
Alcaraz returned to the second set with a heavily tied up leg and almost got a break in the first game as Sinner struggled to serve.
The Spaniard appeared to be deliberately short on points due to injury, but a big stroke of luck came at a crucial moment in the match when Sinner, who sliced his service return into the air at break point following a legal double hit, earned the break with a dropshot off Alcaraz on the back foot.
A nervous Sinner finally closed out the match with a late second break from Alcaraz, avoiding a second tiebreak as Alcaraz made a series of unforced errors.
Sinner: Winning the title means more to me than tennis
Jannik Sinner speaking courtside after the victory:
“This does not only represent tennis. Of course we are individual athletes, but at the same time this is not possible without a team.
“After an intense few months, celebrating this trophy at the end of the year couldn’t have been a better ending for me or the season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jannik Sinner was thrilled after defeating his great rival Carlos Alcaraz to win his second consecutive ATP Finals title.
“It was a very tough and close match. I had a set point in the first set, but I’m very happy with how I handled the situation. It means the world to me.”
“It was tough. You have to be at your best against Carlos. I was serving very well at times. He’s one of the best, if not the best returner in the game. I’m very happy.”
“It was a very tough game, but it means a lot to me that we were able to finish the season this way. It’s great.”
Sinner’s victory means he will defend his ATP Finals title from 2024.
Alcaraz: I hope you’re ready for next year Sinner, because I will be too!
Carlos Alcaraz said after the defeat:
“I’m really happy with the level we played and the performance we played today. I mean, we played against an opponent we haven’t beaten on an indoor court in the last two years.”
“It’s a well-deserved trophy. This is a great year for you. You know, it’s time to rest. I want you to be ready for next year, because I’m ready too.”
That wasn’t the case for Spain’s Alcaraz, who struggled with injuries.
“Hopefully we can play against each other in more finals.
“It’s been a really long year, we’ve had some really great results, and we’ve been at a really great level all year.
“I didn’t come out to win this final, but I just want to let you know that I’m going to walk off the court with my head held high. I gave it all up.”
Robson, Henman: Alcaraz’s hamstring played a role in the final
Sky Sports’ Laura Robson in Turin:
“For me, it felt like the hamstring played a little bit of a role.
“He still seemed to be moving pretty well, but he definitely looked like he was trying to keep the points short.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Laura Robson believes Alcaraz is the only player who can challenge Sinner on indoor hard courts.
“So we saw him get even more power, get even better returns and try more versatile drop shots.
“The tape on his hamstring didn’t do anything by the end of the game and it fell apart in his leg.
“With Jannik there was no choice, so we saw him trying everything.
“But he enjoyed it, and that’s the best part!”
Sky Sports’ Tim Henman in Turin:
“To be honest, I think the foot problem was a factor.
“Alcaraz seemed to change his style of play and come forward more aggressively. He can do that, but I think (if not for the injury) he would have liked to extend the rally.”
“In the first set, he had a chance and Sinner was able to respond. It was a fascinating tie-break with four or five drop shots all of a sudden.
“I think the audience lifted Sinner, but I love Alcaraz with the smile on his face and great perspective afterwards.
“The difference between these two and the rest is huge.”
