Key Takeaways
- Greg Rusedski selected Carlos Alcaraz as his top choice to win the 2026 ATP Finals ahead of Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic.
- Jannik Sinner has ended his 2026 campaign early due to a knee injury, guaranteeing a new world number one with Zverev expected to claim the top ranking.
- Alcaraz and Zverev are already qualified for Turin, with the tournament scheduled to begin on November 15.
Rusedski views Alcaraz as leading contender despite serve adjustments
With two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner sidelined for the remainder of the year because of a knee injury, the battle for the season-ending championship in Turin has opened up. Former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusedski assessed the top candidates on his show, Off Court with Greg Rusedski, highlighting Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic as the primary title contenders.
Although Djokovic has secured a record seven titles at the event and Zverev has claimed two trophies, Rusedski selected Alcaraz as his frontrunner. “I say Carlos [Alcaraz],” Rusedski declared, while pointing out that Djokovic remains an ever-present threat. He also noted Zverev’s past success at the tournament before concluding that Alcaraz is putting together positive momentum and securing victories even while working back to top form.
Alcaraz, who recently came back from a wrist problem that kept him out for multiple months, captured titles at the Laver Cup and the Japan Open following the US Open. Rusedski analyzed technical aspects of the Spaniard’s game, specifically noting changes to his service toss and footwork compared to his form at the Australian Open earlier in the season.
Sinner injury reshuffles ATP Finals field and rankings
Sinner’s withdrawal means Turin will see a new champion crowned, with competition scheduled to start on November 15. The Italian’s absence from the tour since Wimbledon also ensures a shift at the top of the rankings, where Zverev holds a substantial lead in the live race and is anticipated to become world number one.
ATP Finals winners in Turin (2021-2025)
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Alexander Zverev (2) | Daniil Medvedev | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2022 | Novak Djokovic (6) | Casper Ruud | 7-5, 6-3 |
| 2023 | Novak Djokovic (7) | Jannik Sinner | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2024 | Jannik Sinner | Taylor Fritz | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2025 | Jannik Sinner (2) | Carlos Alcaraz | 7-6, 7-5 |
As it stands, Zverev and Alcaraz have officially qualified for the 2026 ATP Finals lineup, with Ben Shelton, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Arthur Fils, Daniil Medvedev, and Djokovic currently holding the remaining qualifying spots.
ATP Shanghai - Carlos Alcaraz's projected path
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
Now ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 6th of October when he defeated world no.19 Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4) 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 28th career title.
Currently, during this season Carlos has a compiled 32-4 match record. Alcaraz clinched 3 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open, Doha and Tokyo.
