"Amazing career": Jannik Sinner honours Tour legend after claiming ATP Finals title

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner delivered another demonstration of why he's the best player in the world after defeating Taylor Fritz to claim the ATP Finals title. The Italian finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record (two wins against the American) and took home £3.9 million (US$ 4.9 million).

During the award ceremony, Sinner and Fritz weren't the only ones honored by the ATP as champion and finalist, as legendary chair umpire Carlos Bernardes officiated for the final time in a professional tournament. The two-time Grand Slam champion dedicated a few words to Bernardes in his last match as an umpire.

"Just a quick word to Carlos. I don’t see him. Ah, here he is," said Sinner, searching the crowd. "Carlos, 40 years of umpiring. Amazing, amazing career. I think you might be still in Davis Cup, I heard. But me and Taylor, we felt very privileged to be part of your last ATP journey, so thank you so much, thank you."

The Brazilian chair umpire has been part of tennis for 40 years, becoming one of the most iconic umpires due to his charismatic presence and earning the respect of both fans and players alike.

The World No. 1 has had an extraordinary season, with 70 wins and only 6 losses, including 8 titles, two of which were Grand Slams at the Australian Open and the US Open, and now the ATP Finals, crowning his brilliant year. Sinner was asked if he felt he could improve even further in 2025.

“It’s been a historic year. 2 Grand Slams. Year-end #1. And you cap it off with the title here. I know there are things you want to improve, but do you feel inside you that you can have an even better 2025?” asked Prakash Armitraj from Tennis Channel.

“Even better is very difficult. This year the goal was to try to play every match the best way I can. It has been an amazing year. Next year we will see. Everything can change very fast and quickly. We’re gonna prepare in the best possible way. Try to start in a positive way in Australia and we’ll see how all the rest goes,” the World No. 1 said.

Sinner still has one final challenge this season when he joins Italy to defend the Davis Cup title. Starting Monday, the final eight countries will compete in the quarterfinals. Team Italy captain Filippo Volandri has selected Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori for the team.