TURIN, Italy — Carlos Alcaraz is on the verge of clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking after a hard-fought victory over Taylor Fritz at the ATP Finals. Alcaraz triumphed 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3, moving to 2-0 in the prestigious tournament for the top eight players and setting up a crucial match against Lorenzo Musetti to solidify his position.
Reflecting on the pressure of the title, Alcaraz admitted, “I’m trying not to think about it, to be honest. But it’s really difficult, not to think about the No. 1 spot.” If he wins either his final group match or his upcoming semifinal, he will secure the top ranking for a second consecutive year.
With a strong performance, Alcaraz hit 47 winners compared to Fritz’s 38, despite Fritz serving an impressive 14 aces. The match proved to be demanding, forcing Alcaraz to dig deep. “It was really, really difficult match. I saved really difficult and important moments during the match, which I’m really proud of,” he commented.
Fritz, on the other hand, expressed disappointment at not seizing pivotal opportunities throughout the match. “I just wasn’t clinical enough in finishing some points on some really big points,” he noted, acknowledging his strong serving and returning during the first two sets. However, he fell short when it mattered, especially after struggling with knee tendinitis that compromised his performance in the third set.
As the tournament progresses, Alcaraz tops the Jimmy Connors group, followed by Fritz and Musetti, who both hold a record of 1-1, with Alex de Minaur sitting at 0-2. Musetti stepped in as a late replacement for Novak Djokovic, who withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
In the other group, Jannik Sinner leads after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a strong start. The tournament format allows the top two players from each group to advance to the semifinals, raising the stakes as the players strive for a shot at the title.
Despite the challenges he faced, Alcaraz’s tenacity and skill showcase his readiness for the competition ahead. With the finals just around the corner, the anticipation builds for another exciting chapter in the ATP season.