Alcaraz defeats Musetti to secure Year-End No. 1, boosts de Minaur to semis

Vegas Tennis Team
4 Min Read

Match Report

Alcaraz Triumphs Over Musetti, Secures Year-End No. 1 Spot, Propelling De Minaur to SFs at Nitto ATP Finals

Spanish sensation concludes the Jimmy Connors Group with an unblemished 3-0 record

November 13, 2025

Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

Carlos Alcaraz finishes the Jimmy Connors Group atop the standings with a flawless 3-0 record.
By Jerome Coombe

Carlos Alcaraz silenced a passionate Turin crowd on Thursday night at the Nitto ATP Finals, reclaiming one of tennis’ most coveted titles.

The 22-year-old Spaniard showcased his talents by defeating debutant Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 in the spirited Inalpi Arena to secure the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honors for the first time since 2022. This resounding victory rounded off a flawless 3-0 run in the Jimmy Connors Group and also ensured Alex de Minaur’s progress to the semi-finals in second place after his triumph over Taylor Fritz earlier in the day.

“This match was incredibly significant for me, as I played for the Year-End No.1,” stated Alcaraz, who improved his Lexus ATP Head2Head against Musetti to 7-1. “Initially, I felt a bit nervous. I focused on managing that pressure, and I’m thrilled with the level I achieved to finish the year as No. 1.”

By winning his group, Alcaraz has now set the stage for a potential final clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has already secured his position at the top of the Bjorn Borg Group with two victories.

Alcaraz faced the fervent local support head-on and remained committed to his thrilling, high-risk strategy that has defined his performance at the Nitto ATP Finals. Despite committing 21 unforced errors, he conjured up 26 winners compared to Musetti’s eight, sealing the match in style after 83 minutes.

“Ending the year as the No. 1 was a significant goal, but this tournament means so much to me,” added Alcaraz, who is in pursuit of his first Nitto ATP Finals title. “I’m exhilarated to have reached the semi-finals and hope to advance to the final. We’ve accomplished part of the mission, but there’s more to come.”

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Having needed a victory to advance alongside Alcaraz, Musetti showcased his brilliance during the opening set with dazzling approaches to the net, energizing the crowd. However, the Italian struggled to maintain his form during prolonged rallies and failed to convert either of his two break points, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“I started well and served strongly, which was my best chance against Carlos’ game,” reflected Musetti. “Tonight, he served excellently as well, consistently pushing me into a defensive position and requiring me to be aggressive.”

“Eventually, the physical demands became tough to manage. Full credit to Carlos for his extraordinary performance; he keeps surprising me. I hope to have my revenge one day.”

Musetti’s thrilling victory over De Minaur on Tuesday, where he finished strongly by winning the last four games, kept his semi-final hopes alive and left the Australian’s path uncertain. Two days later, De Minaur delivered a clutch victory over Fritz and now faces a semi-final showdown with the defending champion, Sinner.

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