Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old tennis sensation, capped a historic year by winning the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
His commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz not only secured his first title at the season-ending event but also earned him a record-breaking payout of $4.88 million, the largest in ATP history.
The win cements Sinner’s status as the world’s No. 1 player, a ranking he achieved in June, and highlights an extraordinary 2024 season that saw him dominate on and off the court.
Sinner’s triumph at the ATP Finals was nothing short of remarkable. He became the first Italian to win the prestigious year-end event, completing the tournament without dropping a single set—a feat achieved only by legends like Novak Djokovic and Ivan Lendl.
The tournament format, which includes a round-robin stage followed by semifinals and the final, saw Sinner sweep through his matches, including another victory over Fritz in the group stage. His win in Turin extended his season record to 70 wins against just six losses, underscoring his dominance throughout the year.
Sinner’s ATP Finals victory brought him an unprecedented $4.88 million payout, the highest-ever for an ATP tournament. This payday eclipsed his $3.6 million earnings from the U.S. Open 2024, where he also defeated Fritz.
The record prize money at the ATP Finals contributed significantly to Sinner’s $17 million season earnings, making 2024 the second-most lucrative year in tennis history, behind Novak Djokovic’s $21.1 million haul in 2015.
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An Extraordinary 2024 Season
Sinner’s win in Turin capped a dream season in which he captured eight ATP titles, including his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and U.S. Open.
Key Highlights of Sinner’s 2024 Season:
- Australian Open Champion: Marked his first Grand Slam title, setting the tone for a stellar year.
- U.S. Open Victory: Defeated Taylor Fritz in the final, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
- Dominance on Hard Courts: Achieved a jaw-dropping 50-3 record on hard courts.
- Career Prize Money Milestone: Surpassed $33 million in career earnings, placing him 10th on the all-time list.
Jannik Sinner wins his maiden Nitto ATP Finals trophy
The home favourite produced a near-flawless performance to down Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 and become the first Italian champion in the tournament’s 55-year history#AtpFinals2024 #Sinner pic.twitter.com/cYFVdNF6Yl
— SportPesa News (@SportPesaBlog) November 17, 2024
Fritz’s Resilient Performance
While Fritz fell short of claiming the ATP Finals title, his journey to the final was a significant milestone. The American earned $2.25 million for his runner-up finish, pushing his season earnings to a career-high $7 million.
Fritz’s appearance in the final marked the first time an American reached the ATP Finals championship match since James Blake in 2006. His rise to a career-best world ranking of No. 4 on Monday makes him the highest-ranked American man since Andy Roddick in 2007.
Despite the loss, Fritz acknowledged Sinner’s brilliance:
“Jannik plays incredible tennis. He deserves this win, and I want to congratulate him and his team.”
Off-Court Controversies
His year was not without challenges. In March, he tested positive for traces of the banned steroid clostebol. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) later cleared him of wrongdoing, citing “no fault or negligence” due to the substance being present in a spray used by his physiotherapist.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, leaving his future uncertain as a final ruling is expected in early 2025. Despite the ongoing investigation, Sinner has maintained his focus, delivering one of the most dominant seasons in tennis history.
A Year to Remember
His rise to the top of the tennis world has been meteoric. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level, coupled with his historic achievements, makes 2024 a year that will be remembered for generations.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
- First Italian World No. 1: Sinner became the first Italian to top the ATP rankings since their introduction in 1973.
- First Italian ATP Finals Champion: His win in Turin marked a historic moment for Italian tennis.
- Unbeaten Run at the Finals: Sinner joined the elite club of players to win the ATP Finals without dropping a set.
What’s Next for Sinner?
Sinner now turns his attention to the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he hopes to lead Italy to a successful title defense. With his current form, Sinner is poised to carry his momentum into 2025, aiming for more Grand Slam titles and continued dominance.
