PARIS — Jannik Sinner has surged back to the No. 1 spot in men’s tennis, triumphing over Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the finals of the Paris Masters this past Sunday.
This Italian sensation, a four-time Grand Slam titleholder, has taken the lead from the six-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner’s remarkable indoor winning streak now stands at 26 matches, having previously claimed victory in Vienna and now celebrating his inaugural title in Paris.
Montreal’s ninth-seeded Auger-Aliassime needed to clinch the title at La Défense Arena to secure his spot at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
However, Sinner showcased his dominance, not allowing any break points and winning the tournament while maintaining a perfect set record.
“This is monumental for me,” Sinner expressed. “It was an intense battle, and we both understood the stakes involved. It’s a tough moment for him, but I’m thrilled with the outcome.”
Sinner has now defeated Auger-Aliassime three consecutive times, including their semifinal matchup at this year’s U.S. Open, giving him a 3-2 edge in their head-to-head encounters.
“He was serving exceptionally well,” Sinner remarked. “It’s crucial to capitalize on any opportunities, no matter how small.”
Although Auger-Aliassime is renowned for his indoor consistency, he struggled to pose a challenge against Sinner, who was in stellar form. This victory marks Sinner’s fifth title of the year and the 23rd of his professional journey.
Sinner sealed the victory on his first match point, executing a precise two-handed backhand down the line, tilting his head back in celebration and raising his arms in triumph. He then acknowledged the cheering crowd with a heartfelt wave.
“These past months have been extraordinary. We’ve been working hard to enhance various aspects of my game, and this kind of result brings me immense joy,” Sinner shared. “It’s been a fantastic year, regardless of what happens in Turin.”
While Auger-Aliassime managed more aces—eight compared to Sinner’s six—the Italian dominated with a remarkable 91% of points won on his first serve, compared to 81% for Auger-Aliassime.
Auger-Aliassime, who has previously claimed titles in Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels this year, received a time violation warning from chair umpire Nacho Forcadell while serving at 30-30 in the ninth game of the second set.
During the changeover, Auger-Aliassime challenged Forcadell, stating he hadn’t received the balls from the ball kids in time.
“If I don’t have the balls, how can I be prepared to serve?” he protested, clearly frustrated.
As Sinner took the first set, he sealed it with an impressive forehand winner as Auger-Aliassime’s drop shot sat up tantalizingly.
There was a fleeting moment of hope for Auger-Aliassime when he led 5-4 and brought Sinner to deuce in the 10th game of his service game.
However, an unforced error from Auger-Aliassime—a misplaced forehand—allowed Sinner to escape. The Italian then executed a love hold, showcasing one brilliant drop shot followed by a precise lob.
After the match, Auger-Aliassime sat in his chair with a defeated demeanor, his head lowered.
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime still has the opportunity to reach Turin, competing against Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Both athletes are scheduled to compete in ATP 250 tournaments, with Musetti in Athens and Auger-Aliassime as the top seed in Metz, France.
