Jannik Sinner Claims Italian Open Victory in Rome

Jannik Sinner cemented his place in tennis history on Monday, May 18, 2026, by winning the 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, completing the Career Golden Masters—a feat achieved by only a handful of players in the Open Era. The Italian world No. 1 defeated Casper Ruud in the final, 7-6(4), 6-2, to claim his 10th ATP Masters 1000 title and the final major tournament required to finish the collection.

The victory marked Sinner’s 11th career Masters 1000 triumph, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s previous record of 10 titles in the series. With this win, he joined Novak Djokovic as the only players to complete the Career Golden Masters—a milestone that requires winning all nine Masters 1000 events at least once. Sinner had previously captured the Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Paris, Toronto, and Monte Carlo titles, with Rome being the final missing piece.

Sinner’s dominance in the final was evident from the outset. He broke Ruud in the first game of the match and never looked back, showcasing his signature precision and aggression on the clay courts of Rome. The match lasted just over two hours, with Sinner converting 10 of 14 break-point opportunities and winning 70% of his service games. His performance underscored his continued form at the highest level, coming just weeks after defending his Australian Open title and reaching the French Open final earlier this year.

The win also solidified Sinner’s status as the most successful Italian tennis player in history, with 29 ATP Tour singles titles, four Grand Slam crowns (Australian Open twice, US Open, Wimbledon), and two ATP Finals victories. His back-to-back Davis Cup triumphs with Italy in 2023 and 2024 further cemented his legacy as a leader on and off the court.

Sinner’s rise to the top of the sport has been meteoric. Born in 1999, he turned professional in 2018 and became the youngest player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters at the age of 24. His journey from a skiing prodigy in the Italian Alps to a global tennis icon reflects his relentless work ethic and adaptability across all surfaces.

Looking ahead, Sinner will next aim to defend his Wimbledon title in June, followed by the US Open, where he will seek a third Grand Slam crown in 2026. With his current form, the world No. 1 appears well-positioned to add to his already storied career.

For now, the focus remains on Rome, where Sinner’s triumph not only completed a historic milestone but also reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.