‘Motivated’ Alcaraz beats De Minaur at ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz states that he has approached the ATP Finals «with determination» as he came closer to securing the year-end world number one position by defeating Alex de Minaur.

The 22-year-old player from Spain triumphed in his first group match 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 in one hour and 40 minutes in Turin, Italy.

Alcaraz is making his third participation in the year-ending tournament but has not yet reached the final.

He exited with an injury in 2022, fell in the semi-finals in his inaugural appearance the following year, and did not advance from the group stage last year.

Alcaraz is in a competition with rival Jannik Sinner for the top ranking, with the Italian reclaiming the number one position after his win at the Paris Masters last week.

«I’ve faced challenges over the past three years to arrive at the end of the year with both energy and motivation. This year feels different,» Alcaraz remarked.

«I take pride in how I’ve managed to come here with motivation.

«I’m really enthusiastic and eager to play outstanding tennis, and provide myself an opportunity to attempt to win this tournament.»

The world’s second-ranked Alcaraz displayed his signature shot-making excellence against De Minaur, delivering a total of 32 winners, although he occasionally struggled during the first set.

Alcaraz surged to an early lead but squandered three break points to go ahead 5-1 – then found himself just two points away from losing the first set in the tie-break.

De Minaur’s relentless spirit nearly secured him the set; leading 5-3 in the tie-break, he lost the next four points, handing it to Alcaraz.

The second set commenced with three successive breaks of serve, two in favor of Alcaraz, before a streak of three incredible winners in sequence put Alcaraz firmly in control.

Despite De Minaur’s loss – he has yet to defeat Alcaraz in five encounters – the 26-year-old Australian should derive confidence from his effort against the six-time Grand Slam champion.

Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti, who stepped in for Novak Djokovic after the Serbian withdrew on Saturday, complete the Jimmy Connors Group.

Alcaraz and reigning champion Sinner have shared the year’s four Grand Slam titles between them.

They are placed in opposing groups and are highly expected to clash in the final on Sunday, 16 November.

Here is what each needs to accomplish to finish 2025 as the world’s number one:

Two-time ATP Finals titleholder Alexander Zverev from Germany will compete against American newcomer Ben Shelton in the opening match of the Bjorn Borg Group at 19:30 GMT.

In doubles, Marcel Granollers from Spain and Horacio Zeballos from Argentina overcame the reigning German champions Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4 4-6 10-6.

British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, who secured the Wimbledon doubles title in July and are the top seeds in Turin, will face the Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori later.