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

It was the first time that Sinner, the world No. 1, won the title, and the first time that an Italian won the US Open.

Sinner defeated the California native in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. This was the first time either player had reached the US Open final.

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

MORE: World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka wins US Open women’s final, defeats American Jessica Pegula

Sinner’s path to victory was marred by a doping scandal that resulted in points and prize money deductions instead of a suspension. Late this summer, it was announced that Sinner had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol, which he said he had encountered after his fitness trainer had treated an injury with Sinner’s physiotherapist, who later worked on the player, leading to the trace amount in a test result.

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

Sinner told ABC News after the match that he felt comfortable on the court despite the criticism he received leading up to the tournament.

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

Sinner called it a very difficult moment for his team, but he insisted: “They know what happened and what I did. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

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

Sinner found support from fans who flocked to watch the final of the most-attended US Open in history. According to the United States Tennis Association, more than a million people attended the US Open during its three-week run.

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

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

For Fritz, Sunday’s tournament came on the heels of an all-American semifinal on Friday in which he defeated American Frances Tiafoe. Fritz walked onto the court for Sunday’s final as the first American man to see a Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2009, which featured Andy Roddick. Roddick was also the last American to win the US Open title in 2003.

During his post-match press conference, Fritz reflected on what he described as a “very tough match”.

“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 player was left in shock as he described the pressure that came with Sunday night’s match.

“I feel like the fans, obviously, American fans, have wanted a male champion for a long time, and I, I don’t know, I’m pretty upset with how I played. 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 rested since the five-set match against compatriot Tiafoe. “I didn’t feel nearly as nervous before this match as I did in the semifinals. So emotionally I was thinking, you know, it’s obviously the final of the US Open, I want to win, it’s a very big moment. But I felt like emotionally it would be okay,” he said.

Jannik Sinner takes on doping case after beating Taylor Fritz in US Open men’s final originally appeared on abcnews.go.com