Jannik Sinner ended the season as world number 1 and received the trophy yesterday. It is a very prestigious recognition, which certifies the rise of the Italian ace and compensates for all his efforts. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria was very excited, having been his dream since he was a child, and celebrating in front of his fans made that moment even more special. His parents were also present in the stands, who do not like the spotlight and always want to safeguard his privacy. However – in such a special moment – his mother could not hold back her tears and showed that she was proud of her son.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion made a very good debut at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, defeating Australian ace Alex de Minaur in less than an hour and a half. His next opponent is Taylor Fritz, already defeated in the US Open final a couple of months ago. Although the surface is slower than last year, Jannik has already found the right feeling and wants to lift the trophy in front of his fans. Sinner is the top favorite to win the title in Turin, especially after Carlos Alcaraz’s shocking defeat yesterday. The young Spaniard is not in top form due to a flu virus.

A prestigious trophy

The Italian champion deserved to end 2024 at the top of the ATP ranking, having been the best and most consistent player from January until today. “It’s a nice feeling, it is special sharing these kinds of moments here in Italy with the crowd,” Sinner said after the ceremony. “This would not be possible without all the people I have around and especially these kind of people I want to keep forever, because it has a journey from the beginning” – he added.

Jannik also talked about his parents: “I just heard that my mom was crying, which is something very cute! Only they know from my early stages, when I was around 13, how many sacrifices we made as a family also. We would have never though that we’d have this year-end World No. 1 trophy at home at some point. You know, these are really only dreams. And then slowly you try to improve as a player, as a person and now I am standing here with one of the, if not the most special trophies I have. This is amazing because this is an achievement over 52 weeks. So I am very happy.”

Sinner’s numbers this season are truly brilliant. Two Grand Slam titles, three Masters 1000 and two ATP 500, with only six defeats suffered in all of 2024. Despite everything he has achieved in the last twelve months, the Italian ace is continuing to improve his game and is a much more complete player than he was at the beginning of his career. The world number 1 has also reduced the number of his injuries, which had affected him especially in 2022.

A bright future

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is very stimulated by his electrifying rivalry with Alcaraz, who defeated him three times in 2024. However, the Spanish ace does not have the same regularity as the Italian during the year and the gap in the ATP ranking is very wide right now. It is true that Jannik will have to defend his title at the Australian Open next January and that he could be disqualified by the CAS, but his advantage is really huge over all opponents.

Jannik Sinner, ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot

In a recent interview with ‘Tennis365’, former ATP ace Tim Henman opened up on Sinner and Alcaraz: “I think they will both go past 10 Slams, which is an incredible achievement. When I was playing and Pete Sampras won his 14th Grand Slam, I would have bet my bottom dollar no one is going past 14 Grand Slams, and then we’ve had Federer, Nadal, Djokovic go flying past it.

In the context of the game, McEnroe won seven, Connors won eight, Becker won six and now we’re flippantly saying they are going to win double-digits. Sinner and Alcaraz, they are phenomenal, they are going to win many Grand Slams. For me, it’s going to be who is also going to be part of the conversation.

We’re looking at could it be Ben Shelton, Tiafoe or Fritz from the Americans? Is it going to be Holger Rune? Is it going to be Jack Draper? I think that’s going to be fascinating to see. You’re never going to just have two. Alexander Zverev is a little bit older, I’m thinking more of the younger generation. Who can come through and win these Grand Slam titles and challenge Alcaraz and Sinner?”