TURIN, Italy — Carlos Alcaraz stands on the brink of clinching the coveted year-ending No. 1 ranking.
In an exhilarating match at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz fought back against Taylor Fritz, securing a 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3 victory on Tuesday. He now needs to either triumph in his final group encounter against Lorenzo Musetti or win his semifinal match to achieve the No. 1 spot for the second time in his illustrious career.
“Honestly, I’m trying not to focus on it,” Alcaraz admitted. “But it’s quite challenging to ignore the allure of the No. 1 position.”
With this win, Alcaraz improved his record to 2-0 at this prestigious event featuring the elite eight players, which subsequently secured him a spot in the semifinals after Musetti edged out Alex de Minaur 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.
However, if Alcaraz fails to secure another victory and Jannik Sinner remains unbeaten to defend his title, Sinner will reclaim the No. 1 ranking.
Displaying remarkable skill, Alcaraz unleashed 47 winners compared to Fritz’s 38, showcasing his resilience as he overturned the deficit despite facing 14 aces from his American rival.
“It was an incredibly tough match,” Alcaraz reflected. “Physically demanding and intensely close. I managed to save crucial moments during the game, which fills me with pride and happiness to perform well under pressure.”
Fritz had opportunities to break Alcaraz’s serve early in the second set.
“I just didn’t capitalize on some pivotal points,” Fritz noted. “In the first two sets, I felt I served and returned excellently. I had every chance I could have hoped for, particularly in the second set. I just didn’t seize my opportunity.”
Currently, Alcaraz leads the Jimmy Connors group, with Fritz and Musetti both at 1-1, while De Minaur remains at 0-2.
Musetti stepped in as a late substitute for Novak Djokovic, who had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.
The top two players from each group will progress to the semifinals.
Sinner currently tops his group after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opening match on Monday.
Fritz experienced knee tendinitis during the third set, impacting his performance.
“It’s tough to bend my knee on my serve in the later stages of a match,” Fritz explained. “My knee is utterly fatigued.”
“I’ve been battling tendinitis throughout the year,” Fritz elaborated. “It’s been a challenge to compete on back-to-back days without it flaring up. I felt it slightly towards the end of the first set, but it became more debilitating by the third set, making it hard to execute my serves and forehands.”
