Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz opened his ATP Finals 2025 campaign in impressive style as he defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur, 7-6(5), 6-2, in their opening round-robin match at the Palasport Olimpico in Turin on Sunday.
The Spanish number one showed his class and calmness against a spirited De Minaur, who was fighting hard in the first set before Alcaraz took control of the match.
First Set: Alcaraz Edges Tight Tiebreak
In the beginning, the first set was characterised by a series of fast-paced baseline rallies and counterpunching, with Alcaraz jumping out to a 4-1 lead before the resilient De Minaur came back to tie it up before a tiebreak.
That power and precision from Alcaraz, however, proved just too much for the Australian in the decisive moments as he sealed the tiebreak 7-6(5) to take an early lead into the ATP Finals encounter.
“It was a really tough match,” Alcaraz said after the win. “On this surface, Alex makes the most of the speed of the ball, he’s super fast, and really difficult to play against. I’m just really happy to get through this tough challenge.”
Read More
Second Set: Alcaraz in Full Control
Both players exchanged early breaks in the second set, but once again it was Alcaraz who raised his level. The Spaniard broke twice more to surge ahead 4-1 with no signs of slowing down.
By now, the world number one was fully in rhythm – at one stage cupping his hand to his ear to soak up the Turin crowd’s applause after a thrilling rally. De Minaur continued to fight, but Alcaraz wrapped up the set 6-2, closing the match in one hour and 37 minutes.
This victory marked Alcaraz’s maiden opening match win at the ATP Finals; he had lost his first-round matches during his previous two participations.
Read More
Group Standings and What’s Next
Both players are part of the Jimmy Connors Group, also comprising Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.
Alex de Minaur is not out of the ATP Finals, but he will now have to beat Musetti and Fritz in his remaining group-stage matches to keep his semifinal hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz could clinch a semifinal spot with another win in the group stages and also remains on course to finish the year as world number one for the second time.
Alcaraz needs to either reach the final with at least one round-robin win or sweep all three group matches to guarantee finishing as the top-ranked player.
Sinner and the fight for Year-End No. 1
The Italian, Jannik Sinner, winner of last year’s ATP Finals, has to defend his title if he is to have any chance of ending 2025 as world number one.
When Sinner appeared on the arena’s big screen, the Turin crowd showed their excitement for the hometown favorite, though fans will have to wait until Monday for his first match of the tournament.
Read More
Record Prize Money and ATP Finals Format
In 2025, the ATP Finals will bring together the eight best singles players and doubles teams in the world, with a prize pool of $15.5 million a record amount for this event.
One player can earn up to 1,500 ATP ranking points by winning the tournament, the largest amount available in any tournament aside from Grand Slams. The event continues until November 16, with the ATP Finals championship match at Turin’s Palasport Olimpico.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alex de Minaur 7-6(5), 6-2 in opening group match.
First-ever opening win for Alcaraz at the ATP Finals.
He needs to win his next two matches against Musetti and Fritz to qualify.
Alcaraz looks to stay the course for the year-end No.1 ranking with a strong showing in Turin. Record $15.5M prize pool and 1,500 ranking points on offer at ATP Finals 2025.
ALSO READ: Paris Masters Roll Of Honours: A Glance At All Champions
