Jannik Sinner continued to make history with his victory at the Iternazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday.
Sinner became just the second player after Novak Djokovic to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments when he defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the Rome final. The world No. 1 triumphed in front of the home crowd at the Foro Italico for the first time after one hour and 45 minutes of play.
He is also the first Italian man to lift the Rome trophy since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
“I think this year was the 50th year since an Italian won,” Sinner reflected. “(There was) a lot of tension on both sides. It was not perfect tennis from both of us, but I’m really, really happy. (It’s been an) incredible last two and a half months.
“(It was) physical; very, very tough. As I said, big thanks to my physical team — physio and physical trainer. I have them with me all year long trying to keep up my body, which is as important as tennis coaches.”
The 24-year-old has now won six consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments dating back to Paris last fall, including all five this season (also Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid).
The upcoming week on the ATP Tour features Hamburg (500) and Geneva (250) before the French Open begins on Sunday.