Novak Djokovic welcomes Jannik Sinner to 'exclusive club' after claiming historic Career Golden Masters with Italian Open win

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Jannik Sinner became the first home player to win the Italian Open since 1976, and he received the congratulations of Novak Djokovic after joining the Serbian in an exclusive club.

Highlights: Sinner beats Ruud to complete Career Golden Masters

Video credit: SNTV

The world No. 1 defeated Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 to become only the second player to add all nine Masters 1000 titles to his collection.

Only 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic had done it before Sinner, which the Serbian completed in 2018 when he won the Cincinnati Open.

And Djokovic was quick to congratulate Sinner with a message on social media.

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"Congratulations, Jannik! Impressive," Djokovic posted on Instagram. "Welcome to the exclusive club, Jannik."

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently out with injury, also sent a message to congratulate Sinner.

"Congratulations Jannik Sinner for completing the Golden Masters," wrote Alcaraz on Instagram. "You deserved it."

Sinner was proud to seal his landmark title, especially to end Italy's wait for a winner in Rome.

"I think this year was the 50th year since an Italian won and I am really, really happy," Sinner said after his victory saw him follow in the footsteps of Adriano Panatta who won the title for Italy in 1976.

"There was a lot of tension on both sides; it was not perfect tennis from both of us, but I am really happy.

"[It has been] an incredible past two and a half months. I try to put myself in the best possible position every time and do the best I can. Not every day is simple, but I am really, really happy."

He added: "It was physical and very tough, but I am very happy.

"I give big thanks to my physical team I have [had] all year long, trying to keep my body [in shape], which is as important as the tennis coaches, so I am really happy."

The 24-year-old started the contest on the back foot as he suffered an early break, but he instantly broke back to turn the set around before roaring into the second.

He quickly broke Ruud, and unlike his opponent, the Norwegian could not hit back as Sinner sped to his latest landmark victory.

'Really happy' Sinner savours Rome title after completing Career Golden Masters

Video credit: SNTV

Sinner form 'is hard to describe with words' - Ruud

Despite defeat and missing out on a second Masters 1000 title, Ruud was full of praise for his opponent as he fell to a fifth consecutive defeat to the Italian.

Ruud won eight of the first nine points in a fast start, but Sinner showed quality - as he has done all season - to fight back and clinch another title.

"I have to congratulate Jannik for his first title here," Ruud said to Sinner ahead of the trophy presentation.

"What you are doing this year is hard to describe with words. As someone who is also playing tennis at the highest level, to realise what you are doing is hard to describe.

"It is an honour to watch you play and to be able to share the court with you today in a beautiful arena at your home Masters 1000.

"Congratulations to you for making history for yourself, your country, your team. It is fantastic to witness."

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