Jannik Sinner successfully defended his ATP Finals title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final marked by the Spaniard's struggles with a hamstring injury. The Italian triumphed with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 win in Turin, securing his second consecutive title at the prestigious event.
The first set was a closely contested affair, with neither player able to convert a break point until Alcaraz forced a set point. However, the 22-year-old world No. 1 began to feel the effects of a hamstring injury sustained during the match. After receiving treatment, Alcaraz proceeded to make several uncharacteristic errors, allowing Sinner to claim the set in a tiebreak.
Alcaraz returned for the second set with heavy strapping on his injured leg and initially looked to be managing the pain, breaking Sinner's serve in the opening game. However, a crucial moment in the match saw fortune favor Sinner when he slicing a return into the air at break point, resulting in a double-hit. This fortunate break gave Sinner the lead, which he ultimately held onto, despite Alcaraz's valiant efforts.
"I was set point down in the first set, but I'm extremely happy with how I handled the situation," Sinner said post-match. "It means the world to me. Playing against Carlos, you have to play at your best."
Alcaraz, who was gracious in defeat, acknowledged Sinner's impressive form and looked ahead to future encounters. "I'm just really happy with the level that I played today," he said. "Hope you are ready for next year, Sinner, because I will be ready."
The match was closely followed by tennis experts, with Sky Sports' Laura Robson and Tim Henman agreeing that Alcaraz's hamstring injury played a significant role in the outcome. "It still looked like he was moving pretty well, but it certainly looked like he was conscious about keeping the points short," Robson observed. Henman added, "If I'm honest, I do think the leg issue had a part to play."
Sinner's victory caps off an impressive season for the Italian. "Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year after such an intense last couple of months, there is no better ending for me and the season," he remarked. The Italian was thrilled after beating his great rival Carlos Alcaraz to win the ATP Finals for the second straight time.
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