Jannik Sinner Triumphs Over Taylor Fritz to Win ATP Finals in Turin
TURIN, Italy — On Sunday, November 17, 2024, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner crowned an exceptional season by defeating US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to claim the ATP Finals trophy. Playing before a passionate home crowd at the Inalpi Arena, Sinner’s victory solidified his status as the top player of the year. This win marked a significant milestone as he became the first Italian to capture the prestigious year-end championship.
Sinner’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. He won his maiden Grand Slam titles at both the Australian Open and the US Open earlier in the year, establishing himself as a force on the men’s circuit. With his victory over Fritz, he wrapped up the season with an enviable 70-6 record, eight titles, and an 11-match winning streak.
“It’s the first title in Italy, and it means so much to me,” Sinner said in his post-match interview. “It’s something very, very, very special.” The significance of the win was amplified by the sea of fans dressed in orange—a nod to Sinner’s distinctive red-orange hair and his humorous past association with eating carrots during matches. The arena vibrated with chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Sin-ner, Sin-ner” as he secured his historic win.
A Year of Triumphs and Trials
Despite the undeniable success, Sinner’s year has not been without challenges. In March, the Italian tested positive for a banned substance after two drug tests. While initially cleared of wrongdoing—with the explanation that the substance had entered his system unintentionally through a physiotherapist’s use of a medicated spray—the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision in September. A final verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected early next year.
This cloud of uncertainty has loomed over Sinner’s career, but he has managed to keep his focus and perform at the highest level. “I just tried to understand whatever works best for each opponent,” Sinner said about his mental resilience and tactical approach throughout the tournament. “It was a very high-level tournament from my side. At times, I couldn’t play better.”
Dominance Over Fritz and the Road to Victory
Sinner’s mastery over Fritz was evident during the match. Having defeated the American in both the US Open final and earlier in the group stage of this tournament, Sinner maintained his composure and strategic advantage. In Sunday’s final, he showcased an exceptional serving game, notching 14 aces to Fritz’s 8 and avoiding any double-faults. His 28 winners outnumbered Fritz’s 19, and he committed fewer unforced errors, underscoring his command of the court.
The first set turned in Sinner’s favor when he broke Fritz to lead 4-3, earning a crucial edge with a deft drop-shot winner. He saved a break point while serving for the set, delivering a powerful serve out wide that Fritz couldn’t return and followed it up with an ace to seal the set. Early in the second set, Sinner broke Fritz again, putting the match effectively out of reach. He concluded the match with another delicate forehand drop-shot winner, capping a long rally and sparking jubilant celebrations in the crowd.
Fritz acknowledged Sinner’s formidable performance: “He served absolutely lights out. So many lines,” said Fritz. “He took a lot of risk on the second serve as well. I think that was probably one of his main game plans, to not let me attack his second serve. He did a great job of not only mixing up the second but being very aggressive with it.”
A Record-Breaking Achievement
By sweeping all five of his matches en route to the ATP Finals title, Sinner secured the largest prize in men’s tennis, collecting $4.8 million. His flawless run without dropping a set was a feat last accomplished by Ivan Lendl in 1986, adding another layer of prestige to his triumph.
For Fritz, the loss was bittersweet. Though denied his first ATP Finals crown, his run in Turin ensured he will rise to a career-high No. 4 in the world rankings, making him the highest-ranked American since Andy Roddick in 2007. His performance, including a semifinal victory over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev, confirmed his steady progression. “My career has always been a very steady progression and just improving a little bit each year,” Fritz said at the start of the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Davis Cup Finals
Both Sinner and Fritz will soon shift their focus to the Davis Cup finals, set to commence on Tuesday in Malaga, Spain. Sinner will represent defending champions Italy, while Fritz will compete for the United States. The Italian team hopes to build on the momentum of Sinner’s ATP Finals victory, while Fritz aims to bring his newfound confidence to the international stage.
Doubles Victory for Krawietz and Puetz
In the doubles final, the German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz secured a hard-fought victory over Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic, winning 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6). Their triumph added to an exhilarating day of tennis in Turin, showcasing the depth and talent across the tournament.
Conclusion
Jannik Sinner’s win at the ATP Finals caps a year marked by extraordinary achievements and resilience in the face of adversity. From winning two Grand Slam titles to clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking, Sinner’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of dominance and defiance. While the final ruling on his doping case remains a looming concern, Sinner’s focus on court has been unwavering. As fans cheered and donned orange in support, it was clear that this victory was about more than just a title—it was a celebration of an athlete at the peak of his powers, rising above challenges to claim his place in history.