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A straight-sets win in Rome saw Sinner become only the second player to complete a Career Golden Masters by winning all nine active events in the series, after Novak Djokovic.

The first Italian champion in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976, the 24 year-old is the first player in ATP Masters 1000 history to win six consecutive events, and the first five in a calendar year.

Sinner is also the second player to win all three clay-court Masters events in the same season, after Rafael Nadal in 2010.

"I think this year was the 50th year since an Italian won," he said in his on-court interview after dispatching Ruud 6-4 6-4.

"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. It was physical and very tough.

"There has been a lot of tension – especially here in the final. But it's a learning process. I can't know everything at 24 years old."

His 10th Masters 1000 title makes Sinner only the seventh player to reach double figures, after Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Pete Sampras.

The world number one, who has won his last 34 matches in the format, prevailed in one four and 45 minutes against Ruud – the only player to reach a clay-court Masters final in each of the last three seasons.

"I have to congratulate Jannik for his first title here," the three-time major finalist said.

"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 ATP Masters.

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