Jannik Sinner apologises to Paris Masters crowd immediately after lifting title

Jannik Sinner lifted the Paris Masters title for the first time in his career - and then apologised to the fans for failing to speak French. The Italian stormed to the title without dropping a set, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-6(4) in Sunday's final. He will now return to No. 1 in the world, surpassing Carlos Alcaraz.

Auger-Aliassime was on the hunt for his biggest title, but he finished runner-up at a Masters 1000 event for the second time in his career. The Canadian addressed the crowd in French during his runner-up speech, and Sinner was left looking sheepish as he spoke to them in English.

"Hello everyone. Sorry I cannot speak French! Give me some years maybe," the freshly-crowned champion told the fans inside the La Defense Arena, the new home of the Paris Masters.

There was a lot on the line for Sinner, who will leapfrog Alcaraz at the top of the rankings on Monday. But Auger-Aliassime also had something extra to play for in Paris.

Had he lifted the title, he would have qualified for the ATP Finals. The world No. 10 has already moved up to eighth in the race with his run to the final in Paris this week, and Sinner was well aware of Auger-Aliassime's battle.

"First of all, Felix, amazing week. I know you had a lot of pressure, you have been in a very difficult spot throughout the whole week, I hope for you that it pays off playing in Turin," he said.

"Congrats to you and your whole team. You are, for sure, one of the nicest people on tour and if you keep playing like this, for sure, you're going to have some of this, I'm very sure. I wish you all the best for hopefully the rest of the season but obviously the rest of your career."

Sinner also thanked his own team after what had been a difficult week. The 24-year-old admitted that he wasn't feeling "100 per cent" earlier in the tournament, despite winning all of his matches in straight sets on his way to the title.

He also swore at his camp during his quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton. "I got a break and you're f****** sitting," Sinner was heard telling Darren Cahill and co mid-match.

"Of course, my team, thanks for pushing me to the limit. It has been an incredible week and incredible run in the past couple of months," he told them after lifting the trophy.

"We always try to improve as a player, and seeing these results and this high, high level of tennis, I'm very happy to share them with you. Today is a very, very special day, so thank you so much."

Although Auger-Aliassime gave his speech in French, he switched to English to address Sinner - and left the new Paris Masters champion in stitches when he reminded him of their teenage years.

"Jannik, congrats to you and your team. You push all the players and myself to improve and to get better so I can only give you credit and tip my hat off to all the improvements since we've known each other," the world No. 10 said.

"I think we were playing FIFA when we were 16, 17. You're a much better player since then, so congrats to you and your team!"