The semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin unfolded without any surprises, as the world’s top two players secured their spots in the final match, a highly anticipated showdown that promises to deliver thrilling tennis. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, both of whom demonstrated exceptional skill in their respective semi-final matches.
Alcaraz, who currently holds the No. 1 ranking, faced Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and emerged victorious with a score of 6-2, 6-4, putting forth a commanding performance that lasted just 83 minutes. Sinner, the defending champion and world No. 2, triumphed over Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2 after nearly two hours of play. Both players displayed their resilience and talent, making their way to the center stage of Inalpi Arena, where a passionate crowd is expected to rally behind the Italian.
Sinner’s route to the final was marked by decisiveness; he remained calm when converting his eighth break point in the first set and secured early control in the second. This victory marks a significant achievement for the 24-year-old, making him the youngest player since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to reach three finals at the ATP Finals. After the match, Sinner reflected on his performance, expressing his delight at reaching the final for the third consecutive year, and acknowledged the challenge posed by de Minaur’s strong serving.
“I am very happy,” he stated. “It is the last event of the year and it is great to finish in this way. It was a very tough match, especially at the beginning of the first set. In the second set, I broke very early and then my level rose.”
As he prepares to face Alcaraz, Sinner brings an impressive record of over 30 undefeated indoor matches, his last defeat in such conditions coming against Novak Djokovic two years ago. While he strives to add another title to his collection, he faces a formidable opponent in Alcaraz, who boasts a favorable head-to-head record against him.
For his part, Alcaraz is vying for his first ATP Finals title. The 22-year-old Spaniard is determined, delivering an outstanding performance against Auger-Aliassime that showcased his ability to execute a variety of shots seamlessly, boosting his confidence throughout the match.
“I felt like I could do everything on court,” Alcaraz remarked post-match. “It didn’t matter if I did forehand down the line, drop shot or backhand down the line, everything felt like it would go in. That confidence helped me push him to the limit.”
This final will mark Alcaraz’s 11th tournament final this season, establishing him as the first Spaniard to reach the ATP Finals final since Rafael Nadal in 2013. He aspires to clinch this prestigious title for Spain, a feat that has not been accomplished since Alex Corretja in 1998.
Looking forward to his match against Sinner, Alcaraz articulated his strategy, indicating the need for focused execution to secure victory. “It is great facing Jannik. I will try and approach the match in a different way. More focus and I need to play my plan A if I want to win the tournament,” he acknowledged, recognizing the expectations of the fans and the significance of the match to both players.
As the final approaches, anticipation builds for a spectacular clash between two of tennis’s brightest stars, each vying not just for the title but to cement their place in the history of the sport.
