Jannik Sinner won the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome to become only the second player in history to complete the career golden masters, joining Novak Djokovic. The Italian’s victory marked his sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title of the season, adding to his triumphs in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo and Madrid.
Djokovic’s message of respect
Shortly after Sinner’s win, Novak Djokovic shared a message on social media. “Congratulazioni Jannik! Impressionante. Welcome to the exclusive club, Jannik,” Djokovic said in his Instagram story, welcoming the Italian into a group that until now had only included himself.
The path of two champions
Djokovic captured his first Masters 1000 crown in Miami in 2007 and completed the career golden masters in 2018 with victory in Cincinnati, becoming the first player ever to win all nine tournaments. Sinner, meanwhile, lifted his first Masters 1000 trophy in Toronto in 2023 and has now swept the entire set, culminating in Rome.
Italian pride and clay dominance
With his victory, Sinner became the first Italian champion in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976. He also joined Rafael Nadal as the only players to sweep all three clay-court Masters 1000 titles in a single season, underlining his dominance on the surface.
Sinner’s triumph not only secured his place in tennis history but also reinforced Italy’s growing presence at the top of the sport, with Djokovic’s words adding further weight to the magnitude of his achievement.
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Currently ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 17th of May when he defeated world no.25 Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 in the final in Rome to win his 30th career title.
This season Jannik has a 36-2 match record. The Italian has won 5 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Currently ranked no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 8th of May when he capitulated to world no.79 Dino Prizmic 2-6 6-2 6-4 in the 2nd round in Rome (draw).
This season Djokovic achieved a 7-3 match record. Novak Djokovic’s best result of the present year was reaching the final at the Australian Open.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic squared off 11 times. Their record is 6-5 for Sinner.
