Italian Jannik Sinner defeated American Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the men’s final of the US Open on Sunday.

It was the first time that Sinner, the world number 1, won the title and the first time that an Italian won the US Open.

Sinner defeated the Californian native in two sets, 6:3, 6:4 and 7:5. It was the first time for both players to reach the US Open final.

Sunday’s victory is also Sinner’s second Grand Slam title this year after winning the Australian Open in January.

Sinner’s road to victory was marred by a doping scandal that resulted in points and prize money deductions rather than a suspension. In late summer, it was revealed that Sinner had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol. He claims he came across the drug after his fitness coach treated an injury suffered by Sinner’s physiotherapist, who later treated the player, leading to the trace amount in a test result.

This revelation cast a shadow over an outstanding year in which he won five singles titles, including the first Grand Slam title of the year.

Sinner told ABC News after the game that he felt comfortable on the court despite facing criticism in the run-up to the tournament.

“I was just happy to compete,” Sinner said as he held the championship trophy.

Sinner described the saga as a very difficult moment for his team, but stressed: “You know what happened and what I did. And that means I did nothing wrong.”

Despite criticism from some players, Sinner said he could feel the excitement of the packed crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sinner received support from fans who flocked to watch the final of the best-attended US Open ever. According to the United States Tennis Association, more than a million people attended the event during the US Open’s three-week run.

“They gave me so much energy, especially in the moments when I was struggling, and also today, in this final, you know, playing against the Americans and with such a fair crowd,” said the 23-year-old Italian.

The audience was also teeming with celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Olympian Noah Lyles, Martha Stewart and Bad Bunny.

For Fritz, Sunday’s tournament followed an all-American semifinal on Friday in which he defeated American Frances Tiafoe. Fritz entered Sunday’s final as the first American to watch a Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2009, where Andy Roddick competed. Roddick was also the last American to win the US Open title in 2003.

In his post-game press conference, Fritz reflected on what he described as a “really tough game.”

“I definitely didn’t hit the ball as well as I expected,” Fritz said, adding: “That’s just how it goes when you play. You know, he’s the best player in the world right now.”

The 26-year-old was breathless as he described the pressure he was under before Sunday night’s game.

“I feel like the fans, especially the American fans, have been wanting a champion in the men’s division for a long time, and I’m just, I don’t know, pretty disappointed with my performance. I feel like, I don’t know, I feel like I almost let a lot of people down,” Fritz said.

Fritz said his body had been resting since the five-set match against fellow countryman Tiafoe. “I wasn’t nearly as nervous before this match as I was in the semifinals. Emotionally, I thought, of course it’s the final of the US Open, I want to win it, it’s a really big moment. But I felt like I was going to be fine emotionally,” he said.