Jannik Sinner beats rival Carlos Alcaraz to defend Nitto ATP Finals

Jannik Sinner bested his great rival Carlos Alcaraz by 7-6, 7-5 to defend his Nitto ATP Finals title on Sunday. The Italian was able to win his second title without dropping a single set throughout the tournament. In fact, Sinner had not dropped a set in last year’s competition.

Thus, Sinner has won the last 10 matches of the tournament and he has won 20 sets on the bounce. Meanwhile, Sinner saved a set point with an ice-cold 117mph second serve in the opening set. With his two-hour, 15-minute victory, the Italian joined John McEnroe and Boris Becker as the only men to lift multiple Nitto ATP Finals trophies on home soil.

Sinner gave credit to his team for all the success he has had in this season.

“We are individual athletes but without my team, this is not possible. Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year after such an intense last couple of months, there is no better ending,” said Sinner, who hugged his team courtside following victory. “It was a very, very close match. I saved a set point in the first set and I am extremely happy with how I handled the situation and it means the world to me.”

With this win, the Italian extended his extraordinary indoor winning streak to 31 matches. Sinner said he needed to be at his absolute best while playing against Alcaraz.

“It was tough today,” Sinner added. “Playing against Carlos, you have to play at your best. I was serving very well at times but he is one of the best returners in the game. Obviously, Novak is in there. But I am very happy. It was a tough match but it means a lot to me ending the season like this. It is amazing.”

Alcaraz and Sinner have shown that they are at least two levels above every other player on the tour, as they have dominated the big events.