Tennis’s top-ranked player, Jannik Sinner, claimed another Grand Slam title by defeating American Taylor Fritz (6-3, 6-4, 7-5) in the US Open final on Sunday. Despite facing a loud and mostly pro-Fritz crowd, the 23-year-old Italian remained composed and dominated the match, notably without losing a single point on first serve in the final two sets (28 of 28). The win, along with Sinner’s Australian Open victory earlier in the year, cements his status as the top hard court player in the world.

Sinner’s path to the title wasn’t easy, however, as he faced questions throughout the tournament regarding an earlier doping case. Sinner called the situation a “mistake” and was eventually cleared of the allegations. He credited his team and family for keeping him focused through the controversy.

For Taylor Fritz, the runner-up who was playing in his first major final, the loss was difficult. Fritz expressed disappointment in his performance and failing to end the 21-year drought for American men in Grand Slam events. He also acknowledged his breakthrough season, in which he became the first American man since 2007 to reach three major quarterfinals in the same year.

Fritz’s runner-up finish returns him to the top 10 of the world rankings, at #7, while Sinner’s victory extends his lead over Alexander Zverev as the world’s top-ranked player. And notably, for the first time in 22 years, no member of the “Big Three” – Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal – will win a Grand Slam event. It feels like the start of a new era for professional tennis.