Jannik Sinner became the youngest ATP title winner in 12 years as he claimed the Sofia Open.
The Italian 19-year-old edged out Canada’s Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in Saturday’s final in the Bulgarian capital.
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“It’s a great result for me, with a lot of work behind it,” said Sinner, the youngest winner on the men’s tour since Japan’s Kei Nishikori won the Delray Beach Open at the age of 18 in 2008.
“I guess it’s something special for me, like winning last year (at the Next Gen ATP Finals) in Milan and now winning here in almost the same week as last year. Winning my first title here is a great feeling.”
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Though the teenager was unseeded at the Sofia Open, he has been making waves on the circuit this season. He had defeated Alexander Zverev to reach the quarterfinals of the French Open for his first last-eight finish at the majors.
In Sofia, Sinner came back from a set down to third-seeded Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals – a rematch of their 2019 Milan final.
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“It’s a great progress of hard work,” said the Italian.
“I have a great team behind me. I’m very excited about this result because sometimes you need them; obviously you’re working hard, so sometimes a result [like this] is good and great to see.
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“But there’s still a lot of work to do. We will see in a few years where I am, but I think right now I’m very happy about the title this win.”
Already the youngest player in the Top 100 of the ATP Rankings, Sinner’s victory will boost him to a new career-high of No 37 on Monday.
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Sinner is the sixth first-time winner on the tour this year, joining Ugo Humbert, Casper Ruud, Thiago Seyboth Wild, Miomir Kecmanovic and John Millman.
