World number one Jannik Sinner. World number one Jannik Sinner. 
Jannik Sinner says it is a "special feeling" to confirm the year-end number one spot following his Shanghai Masters semi-final win. (More Tennis News)bighit777
Sinner is the first Italian to end a calendar year as number one, having clinched the top ranking with a 6-4 7-5 win over Tomas Machac.
He will face Novak Djokovic in his maiden Shanghai final, and his fourth consecutive showpiece, though he lost the most recent in Beijing to Carlos Alcaraz last week.
Sinner (2023-24) has become only the third player in the Open Era to reach seven or more ATP event finals on hard court in consecutive seasons after Roger Federer (2004-07 and 2014-2015) and Novak Djokovic (2011-13 and 2015-2016).
Sinner, who has 64 wins under his belt this season, is the 18th player to end the year as the top-ranked player and said he has fulfilled a childhood dream in doing so.
"It's amazing. It's something you dream of when you are a kid, when you are young, just to reach the number one," Sinner told Sky Sports.
"Now having the year-end, it's also a different and special feeling.
Novak Djokovic Vs Taylor Fritz, ATP Shanghai Masters: Serbian Great Sets Up Jannik Sinner Final DateList of active players to reach ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIFNovak DjokovicRafael NadalCarlos AlcarazJannik SinnerEnd of list.#PIF | #ATPRankings | #partner pic.twitter.com/zuKvRWQYYV
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 12, 2024"It means so much to mebighit777, obviously. This is something I could not accomplish without all the people I have around — the family and friends and also a big credit to my team."