Jannik Sinner marked his first rest day at the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday by receiving the prestigious trophy for finishing the year as the world’s No. 1 tennis player. Already guaranteed to be the first Italian to top the ATP end-of-year rankings, Sinner shared the special moment in Italy with his fans and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he has received throughout the season. "It's a very special occasion to share that here in Italy," he said, acknowledging the importance of this achievement on home soil.
The 23-year-old also took a moment to thank his team and the people closest to him, crediting them for playing a crucial role in his success. "Without the people who are close to me, who understand me as a person, it would be very difficult," he remarked, calling himself "very lucky" for having such a supportive network. Despite some challenges this year, including the controversy surrounding doping allegations, Sinner has managed to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Sinner’s season was marred by controversy after he tested positive twice for traces of the steroid clostebol in March. Although he was initially cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the World Anti-Doping Agency later appealed, seeking a potential two-year ban. The cloud of suspicion did not overshadow his remarkable performance on the court, including his victory over Alex De Minaur in his opening match at the ATP Finals on Sunday.
Sinner's achievement as world No. 1 marks a significant milestone, succeeding Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who had finished the year as the top-ranked player a record eight times. Boris Becker, who had spent 221 days at No. 1 in 1991 but never finished the year on top, was present for the presentation. He praised Sinner's potential, suggesting that while competitors like Carlos Alcaraz are formidable, Sinner is likely to hold the No. 1 spot for a long time.
ADD A COMMENT :