Teenager Jannik Sinner claims his first ATP title as he wins Sofia Open
Italian teenager Jannik Sinner claimed his first ATP Tour title with a battling victory over Vasek Pospisil in a deciding set tie-break to win the Sofia Open final.
The 19-year-old became the youngest winner of a top-tier event in more than 12 years after defeating the veteran Canadian 6-4 3-6 7-6 (3).
Sinner, who claimed the NextGen ATP Finals title in 2019 and made the quarter-finals of the French Open, finishes the year with a 19-11 record and is set to move into the world’s top 40 for the first time when the rankings are updated on Monday.
After building on an early break to take the opening set, Sinner moved 1-0 ahead in the second with more pressure on Pospisil’s serve.
What a moment, my first title, this will always have a special place in my heart. 💚 @ Sofia, Bulgaria https://t.co/Vy2s0MVeIK
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) November 15, 2020
The Canadian, though, rallied to immediately break back before then leading himself at 4-2 before closing out the set to level the match with a love-service hold.
Sinner regrouped for the decider and edged himself in front during the tie-break, claiming the title after forcing Pospisil into a long return from the baseline.
“It is always special when you win tournaments,” Sinner said, quoted on the ATP Tour official website.
“Playing finals like this, 7-6 in the third is always tough, but when you win, it is an even better win than winning 6-1 6-1.
“I am happy about the match, how I tried to stay there every point and I think it is a very special week for me.”
The Italian is determined to maintain his progress through to 2021.
“It is a great feeling ending the year with a tournament win,” Sinner added.
“Now I think the hard work is going to start once more. I hope I am going to start even better next year than I did this year.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP TourDavid Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.