Sinner A Winner In Sofia, Italian Beats Pospisil For First Career ATP Title

Jannik Sinner closed his 2020 season claiming his first career title Saturday in Sofia, beating Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3).

Playing his first true tour final, the 19-year-old Sinner becomes the youngest champion on tour since 18-year-old Kei Nishikori won the 2008 Delray Beach event.

“It is always special when you win tournaments,” said Sinner afterward. “I felt well this week. It is special. Playing finals like this, 7-6 in the third.

“Is always tough. But when you win, it is an even better win than winning 6-1 6-1,” he said. “I am happy about the match, how I tried to stay there every point and I think it is a very special week for me.”

After losing a break lead in the second, Sinner hung firm in a break-less third before pulling away in the breaker.

Sinner finishes 19-11 on the season (won 13 of his last 16) and will end the year ranked No. 37, up from No. 78 in 2019. The unseeded Sinner beat Alex De Minaur and Adrian Mannarino en route to his first ATP final.

“It is a great feeling ending the year with a tournament win,” said Sinner. “Now I think the hard work is going to start once more.

“I hope I am going to start even better next year than I did this year.”

The 30-year-old Pospisil was also seeking his first career title. He falls to 0-3 in finals.

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