An emotional Jannik Sinner won his first ATP Finals title in front of his adoring fans in Turin on Sunday.
The Italian has got better and better as the season has gone on, despite the doping case hanging over his head that could still lead to a suspension.
Sinner's 6-4, 6-4 victory over fifth seed Taylor Fritz made it 26 wins from his last 27 matches, a run that included his second grand slam title of the year at the US Open, two Masters 1000 trophies and now the ATP Finals.
Sinner has been utterly dominant in Turin, winning all his five matches without dropping a set, and he becomes the first Italian champion.
He had already beaten Fritz in the group stage and, despite another competitive encounter, it was the Italian who again came out on top in the decisive moments.
He took a fourth chance to break serve at 3-3 before clinching the opening set, and another break in the fifth game of the second was enough to complete the job.
Fritz was the first American to reach the singles final since James Blake in 2006 and was aiming to become the first US champion this century but, as in the US Open final, he found Sinner an immovable obstacle.
The 23-year-old celebrated in front of the jubilant home crowd, and the year could yet have one more high, with Sinner set to head to Malaga, where he will attempt to help Italy successfully defend the Davis Cup title.
"Honestly, I have surprised myself the whole year at times but in my mind I know how much work I put in and how many sacrifices I have made to be in this position," said Sinner.
"I just try to play in the present moment and it was a very special moment for me to win here – very important from my side. I know the season I've had.
"I got here one week early trying to understand the speed of the court, trying to work out what works best for me here, so it's a very special feeling, special moment.
"I played some very, very good tennis throughout this whole week and at times I couldn't have played better.
"I'm very happy how I handled every situation on and off the court. Sharing this feel is amazing.
"It's amazing. It's been an amazing week – my first title in Italy and it's something very, very special.
"I tried to play the best possible tennis I can. That was the key.
"It was a very high-level tournament from my side and at times I couldn't play better so I'm very happy."
Sinner's magical 2024 could still have a final flourish if he wins the Davis Cup once again with Italy next week, but there can be no doubt that he deserves to be hailed as the shining light of the season in the men's game after this convincing victory.
The biggest battle he will face in the opening half of 2025 will be proving his innocence after the World Anti-DOping Agency appealed against a decision to clear him of wrongdoing after he failed two drug tests in March.
If he can navigate that huge problem, Sinner is well-placed to build on his growing aura heading into the next tennis year.
