Carlos Alcaraz could hardly hide his excitement as he prepared for a dream ATP Finals showdown with Jannik Sinner in Turin. The Spaniard cruised past Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals and said he knows he must produce his very best tennis to lift the trophy. He expects a fiery atmosphere on Sunday, comparing it to a Davis Cup tie.
Sinner also arrives in top form after a comfortable straight-sets win over Alex de Minaur, giving him his third straight final in Turin. The Italian loves these occasions and says they help him judge his level before heading into the off-season. He has every reason to feel confident too: he has won 30 consecutive matches indoors and enjoyed a longer rest after playing his semi-final six hours earlier than Alcaraz.
Even so, the match is far from straightforward. Alcaraz has dominated their recent meetings, winning seven of their last eight clashes. He already knows he will end the season as world number one, whatever happens in the final, something Sinner admits he has fully earned. Despite their rivalry, the pair remain unusually friendly, often joking that they see each other more than their own families.
Sunday’s final promises to be a thriller. Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have captured all four Grand Slam titles this year. Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz beat him in the finals of Roland Garros and the US Open. With both men at the peak of their powers, the Turin crowd is set for a spectacular finale to the season.
