Jannik Sinner performs superbly in Rotterdam

Jannik Sinner, winner of the Australian Open, won his first title in Rotterdam on Sunday, dismantling the tough defense of Australian Alex De Minaur to win 7-5, 6-4 in a high-quality match.

The victory brought the Italian's unbeaten streak to 15 matches and allowed him to reach the 3rd world ranking, a record.

"We did a very good job a few weeks ago and now we have done a very, very good job here," said Sinner, referring to his triumph at the Australian Open.

"I am really proud of my level of play throughout this week. We were in a difficult situation but we handled it the right way," he added.

De Minaur, the number 5 seed, had never before beaten Sinner in six previous attempts, but entered the match with all guns blazing and resisted his opponent from the first exchanges.

Sinner's consistency and power from both sides eventually broke through De Minaur's defense, and the Italian broke the opponent's serve at 2-2 after thrilling exchanges.

De Minaur recovered serve in the 10th game, having saved two set points with extraordinary recoveries.

A long exchange at the end of the game left Sinner out of breath after diving to volley to try to intercept a powerful backhand from his opponent.

Sinner quickly regained his confidence and earned his own break points in the following game, converting the second as De Minaur recklessly let a volley go that landed on the baseline.

Serving for the set a second time, Sinner made no mistake this time, concluding the set to the delight of the frenzied crowd in Rotterdam.

"It's very hard to play against you. It's better when we are on the same side in doubles," Sinner joked.

De Minaur's run to the final included a thrilling semi-final against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, which he described as his "best match on the tour."

"I jokingly asked him if he was going to lose a match this year. He's playing at an incredible level and it's just too good. I'll get you back next time!" said De Minaur.

De Minaur said he had taken "another big step in the right direction" and vowed to "fight for bigger and better things."

Sinner's path to the final was serene, with the withdrawal of Canadian veteran Milos Raonic, plagued by injuries, early in the second set in the quarter-finals, and then a quiet victory over local Tallon Griekspoor in the semi-finals.