In Rome on Sunday, Jannik Sinner won his sixth straight ATP Masters 1000 title when he beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to become the first Italian champion at the Italian Open since Adriano Panatta in 1976. As he continued to climb higher and higher, he became the first Italian champion in the competition.

Having now won all nine ATP Masters 1000 championships, the World No. 1 also became the second player in series history to accomplish the Career Golden Masters, which he did with a decisive victory in one hour and forty-four minutes. Following his victory in Cincinnati in 2018, Djokovic accomplished the feat.

In his on-court interview, Sinner said, “I believe this year was the 50th year since an Italian won, and I am truly, really delighted. ” Although neither of us played flawlessly, there was a lot of tension on both sides, and I am quite pleased. The last two and a half months have been amazing. I always make an effort to place myself in the best possible situation and give my best. Although life is not always easy, I am truly, genuinely content.

Buoyed by a full house, Sinner rebounded from a sluggish start to win his tenth Masters 1000 title and his first in Rome. The Italian slowly established himself with unyielding depth and accuracy from the baseline to seize the championship and win, having withstood an initial onslaught of Ruud aggression. After securing the victory, the 24-year-old lifted his arms up in the air, taking in the ambiance before hugging his colleagues by the court.

After the 24-year-old’s grueling semifinal victory over Daniil Medvedev, which started on Friday and ended on Saturday after a late-night rain break, there have been doubts about the home favorite’s physical fitness going into the final.

During that match, Sinner occasionally seemed exhausted, stooping over in between points, but he played with ease and assurance against Ruud, who had secured his spot in the championship match on Friday with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory against Luciano Darderi.

The work was physically taxing and demanding, but I am extremely pleased, Sinner said. My physical squad, who I’ve had all year, is just as important as the tennis coaches since they’ve been working hard to maintain my body. I’m really thrilled about this.

Sinner’s achievements this year were lauded by Ruud. At the trophy ceremony, Ruud said that he had to congratulate Jannik on winning his first championship here. It is difficult to express what you are doing this year. It’s difficult to put into words what you’re doing as someone who is also competing at the top of tennis.

In your stunning arena at your home Masters 1000, it’s an honor to see you play and share the court with you today. I congratulate you on creating history for yourself, your nation, and your team. It’s amazing to see.