Jannik Sinner made history for Italy on Sunday with his 7-5. 6-4 finals defeat of Alex de Minaur at the ATP Rotterdam 500 event sending him to world No. 3.
No Italian – man or woman – has ever stood so high on the Tour since the rankings began half a century ago.
Sinner and his Australian rival duelled for just over two hours, with each set taking over an hour at the Ahoy stadium in the Dutch port city.
Australian open champion Sinner is undefeated this season and has his last 15 matches dating to November’s Davis Cup, which Italy won.
The 22-year-old from the alpine German-speaking north of Italy won his 12th singles title – the most ever for an Italian.
“It’s always tough to play Alex,” Sinner said after defeating the Aussie for the seventh time without a loss
“My team did a really great job some weeks ago and now we made a good job here,” he said with Australian coach Darren Cahill missing the week.
“I’m proud of my level this whole week.”
Sinner finished with 23 winners and 26 unforced errors,breaking de Minaur four times from eight chances.
“Congrat to Jannik and his team,” the losing finalist said. “What you’ve done this year is great, it couldn’t happen to a better guy.
“You are playing at an incredible level, but i’ll get you back next time.”
The Aussie, who turned 25 this week, added: “It’s been an unbelievable week, I don’t mind spending my birthday in Rotterdam every year.”
De Minaur will return to the ranking Top 10 on ninth in Monday’s ATP list
Main photo:- Jannik Sinner wins Rotterdam Title by ABN/Amro
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…