Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from securing the year-end No. 1 ranking after a hard-fought victory over Taylor Fritz at the ATP Finals in Turin. He admits the pressure is mounting, but remains focused on his next match.
A Gritty Comeback in Turin
Carlos Alcaraz overcame a slow start to defeat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3 in a tense round-robin match at the ATP Finals. The 22-year-old Spaniard dropped the first set in a tiebreak but rallied with precision and resilience to take control of the match. His win places him at the top of the Jimmy Connors Group with a 2-0 record, following an earlier straight-sets victory over Alex de Minaur.
Alcaraz’s performance was marked by 47 winners and a crucial break at 6-5 in the second set. He then broke Fritz early in the third to seal the match in just under three hours. “I’m trying not to think about it, to be honest,” Alcaraz said. “But it’s really difficult not to think about the number one spot.”
The No. 1 Race Heats Up
Alcaraz is now within reach of finishing the season as world No. 1 for the second time in his career. A win over Lorenzo Musetti in his final group match would guarantee the top spot. Alternatively, reaching the semifinals would also be enough, depending on Jannik Sinner’s results. If Sinner goes undefeated and Alcaraz fails to win another match, the Italian could claim the year-end No. 1.
The ATP Finals format adds complexity to the ranking battle, with multiple scenarios still in play. Alcaraz’s ability to stay composed under pressure will be critical as he faces Musetti, who narrowly defeated Alex de Minaur in his previous match.
Mental Focus Amid High Stakes
Despite the stakes, Alcaraz is trying to maintain a clear mindset. “I’m really happy that I was able to come back,”
he said after the Fritz match. His mental strength has been a defining trait throughout the season, helping him navigate injuries and tough opponents.The Spaniard’s rise has been rapid, and his consistency at the highest level continues to impress. With six Grand Slam titles already to his name, Alcaraz is building a legacy that could rival the sport’s greatest.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Currently ranked no.1, the Spaniard played his last match on the 11th of November when he overcame world no.7 Alex De Minaur 7-6(5) 6-2 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
During this season Alcaraz has managed to achieve an overall 69-8 win-loss record. Carlos clinched 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Barcelona and Wimbledon.