Jannik Sinner dominates Italian Open to match Novak Djokovic with Masters sweep

Jannik Sinner became only the second player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles after beating Casper Ruud in straight sets in the Italian Open final.

World No 1 Sinner followed in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic by defeating Ruud 6-4 6-4 in front of a delighted home crowd in Rome.

The 24-year-old is the youngest player to complete the Career Golden Masters after Djokovic did so aged 31 by defeating Roger Federer in the 2018 Cincinnati Open final.

Masters 1000 tournaments are the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour outside of the four grand slams.

Sinner’s success in an hour and 45 minutes extended his winning run to 29 matches and also made him the first Italian man to win the competition since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

The reigning Wimbledon champion responded immediately after being broken in the second game and gradually took control of a physical contest.

He completed a landmark victory with an inside-out forehand winner before soaking in the acclaim of the crowd, which included 75-year-old Panatta.

“This year was the 50th year since an Italian won and I’m really, really happy,” Sinner, who lost last year’s final to Carlos Alcaraz, told Sky Sports.

“A lot of tension on both sides, it was not perfect tennis from both of us. (It’s been) an incredible last two-and-a-half months.

“I try to put myself in the best possible position every time (I go on court), trying to do the best I can – not every day is simple, but I’m really, really happy.”

PA