Mon, 18 May 2026
Sports World News Updated May 17, 2026 · 23:26

Jannik Sinner Wins Italian Open, Completes Golden Masters Feat

Jannik Sinner won the Italian Open on Sunday, defeating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the final. He became the first Italian man since Adriano Panatta in 1976 to win the Rome crown. The World No. 1 also completed the Career Golden Masters, joining Novak Djokovic as only the second player to achieve this feat. Sinner has now won five Masters 1000 titles this season, one shy of Djokovic's record.

Jannik Sinner clinches Italian Open title, completes Golden Masters feat

Rome, May 17

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner clinched the Italian Open title on Sunday after he defeated Norway's Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the final, and became the first Italian man since Adriano Panatta in 1976 to win the Rome crown. The star player also completed the career Golden Masters ahead of Roland Garros.

The final was also attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, adding to the significance of the occasion. Ruud began strongly and looked intent on challenging the top seed early on, taking an initial advantage as Sinner struggled to find his rhythm and committed several first-serve errors. However, at 4-4 in the opening set, Sinner regained control, steadied his game, and went on to take the set 6-4.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sinner dictating play for long stretches, though Ruud continued to push him into extended, physically demanding rallies. Despite Ruud's improved preparation and resilience--helped by having more recovery time before the final--Sinner maintained his composure and closed out the match with the same scoreline to secure the title on home soil.

With his one-hour, 44-minute victory, the World No. 1 also joined Novak Djokovic as just the second player to complete the Career Golden Masters in series history, having now captured all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles. Djokovic achieved the feat in 2018 after winning Cincinnati.

"I think this year was the 50th year since an Italian won and I am really, really happy," Sinner said in his on-court interview. "There was a lot of tension on both sides; it was not perfect tennis from both of us, but I am really happy. An incredible past two and a half months. I try to put myself in the best possible position every time and do the best I can. Not every day is simple but I am really, really happy."

Sinner has now captured five Masters 1000 crowns this season and stands one shy of matching Djokovic's record of six in a single year.

— ANI

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Pooja D
Five Masters 1000 titles in a season! That's just insane. He's already matched Novak's record of six in a year? Wow. As someone who follows tennis closely, I think Sinner's rise is inspirational for young athletes in India too—hard work, consistency, and mental toughness. Well played, champ!
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Arun Y
Great win for Sinner, but let's not forget Casper Ruud gave a solid fight. He started well and pushed Sinner into long rallies. The second set could have gone either way. Ruud's resilience is underrated—he's been consistent but keeps falling short in big finals. Hope he gets his big title soon. 🤞
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Neha E
Seeing President Mattarella attend the final shows how big this moment is for Italy. It reminds me of how we celebrate our own sporting heroes in India—like when our cricketers or shuttlers win big at home. Sinner's composure under pressure is remarkable. He's the real deal! 🇮🇳❤️
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Vishal D
I have to respectfully disagree with those calling this a perfect performance. Sinner himself admitted it wasn't his best tennis. He had first-serve errors early on and was shaky at times. But that's what champions do—win even when not at their best. That's the mark of greatness. Still, I think Ruud could have pushed harder on break points. 😅
K
Kavya N
Golden Masters is such a rare feat! Only Djokovic had done it before. This cements Sinner among the all

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