Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Dominic Thiem to secure the biggest title of his career at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday night.
The 21-year-old Greek star showed he is the real deal and ready to take over the mantle from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic with an impressive performance.
For years the big three have dominated all the major events but now the young guns are rising.
After knocking Federer out of the semi-finals, Tsitsipas became the first ever player to win the Next Gen Finals and ATP Finals in consecutive years.
Tsitsipas and Thiem were equally matched in the first set and both saw chances to break the other’s serve come and go.
A tiebreak was needed to separate the two and it was world No 5 Thiem who came out on top in a marathon 65 minute set.
Surprisingly, Tsitsipas found another level and raced into a 4-0 lead in the second. From there, the Australian Open semi-finalist never looked back as the match went the distance.
Tsitsipas continued his momentum in the third set and took the lead in the third game. But Thiem leveled in the sixth when Tsitsipas dragged a cross-court backhand into the tramlines.
The pair headed for a tiebreak and it was Tsitsipas who got the first mini-break but he was quickly pegged back.
However, Tsitsipas was gifted another advantage and was able to serve out for the match when Thiem lashed a wild forehand long.
After the match Tsitsipas said: “I would like to start by congratulating Dominic. You are an inspiration.
“It is really magnificent the final we put out on centre court. I think it makes our sport great. Tennis is all about this. Congratulations for your successful year.
“It has been a roller coaster. Thanks to my team, my agents, my father.
“This tournament was just unbelievable. You made is so emotional. I have never received so much support on a stage like that.
“I owe it all to you, most of it to you, the atmosphere this week was unbelievable. It was nice to be competing on this court.”
Thiem said: “It was unbelievable match today. It was so close and both of us were fighting 100 per cent until the end.
“You really deserve it, you are an amazing player and I really hope we are going to have some amazing finals in the future.
“Thanks to everybody who makes this great event possible. It is a very hard and tough moment for me but I really enjoyed it this week.”