Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant forces on the ATP Tour in 2024, and now they set their sights on capping off their stellar seasons with a victory at the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. This year’s edition promises an electrifying competition, bringing together the top eight players from around the globe for one final battle. Joining Alcaraz and Sinner in the tournament are former champions Alexander Zverev, who has twice lifted the trophy, Daniil Medvedev, the winner in 2020, as well as Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, and Andrey Rublev. For Alcaraz and Sinner, the title has so far been elusive, but they enter the tournament as heavy favorites following their exceptional performances throughout the year.
Jannik Sinner’s 2024 campaign began with a historic victory at the Australian Open in January, where he bested Medvedev to claim his maiden Grand Slam title. The 23-year-old Italian demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical acumen, a sign of his continued growth as a formidable player on the ATP Tour. Sinner’s win was a breakthrough, and it set the tone for a season that would see him go toe-to-toe with the very best.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation, showcased his grit and resilience by bouncing back to win the next two Grand Slam events. He triumphed at the French Open, defeating Zverev in a grueling final to claim the second Roland Garros title of his career. Alcaraz’s dominance extended to Wimbledon, where he successfully defended his crown against none other than Novak Djokovic in a thrilling showdown. The back-to-back Major wins cemented Alcaraz’s reputation as one of the most tenacious competitors on the circuit and a force to be reckoned with.
Sinner’s impressive season did not stop at the Australian Open. The Italian continued to impress by capturing the final Grand Slam of the year, defeating Taylor Fritz to win his first US Open title. This victory rounded out a year that saw Sinner solidify his position among the sport’s elite and draw comparisons to the legends of the past. As the season wound down, both Alcaraz and Sinner proved themselves to be in a league of their own, consistently outclassing their rivals and demonstrating a blend of power, precision, and mental toughness.
Their remarkable journeys have not gone unnoticed, and as they prepare for the ATP Finals, Alcaraz and Sinner shared some playful banter about their respective games. In a light-hearted interview, the pair were asked which shot they would most like to “borrow” from the other. For Sinner, the choice was obvious: “It’s very easy, your drop shots, like this [close] from the net, why not?” Alcaraz, on the other hand, had a different answer: “I will take the backhand, with your backhand it will be a little bit easier every day.” The mutual respect and camaraderie between the two players were evident, adding another layer of intrigue to their impending battles.
When asked which shot they would prefer not to take from each other, Alcaraz quickly responded, “Your volley,” to which Sinner could only nod in agreement, admitting, “Yeah, that was easy though. I’m in a bad situation because you play everything good. Your serve, if I have to choose one.” The exchange underscored the high regard they hold for each other’s game, while also offering a glimpse into their fierce competitive spirits.
The duo was also asked about the most challenging aspect of facing one another on the court. Sinner’s answer was a testament to Alcaraz’s relentless energy: “You have to make the point three times. Every time you run so fast, it’s amazing, plus you never give up.” Alcaraz echoed the sentiment, praising Sinner’s consistency and mental fortitude: “You play, you know, every point the same, nine or ten out of ten, you know it’s incredible, you don’t miss, sometimes it’s a nightmare.” Such exchanges highlighted the mutual respect and fierce rivalry that has come to define their encounters on the tour.
As the tournament gets underway, all eyes are on Sinner, who hopes to make history by becoming the first Italian to win the ATP Finals since its move to Turin. No Italian has claimed victory at the event since it began being held in the northern city, and Sinner, buoyed by the support of a passionate home crowd, will be looking to change that. The last player to win the Finals on home soil was Andy Murray in London eight years ago, and Sinner is determined to follow in his footsteps.
For his opening match, Sinner will face off against Alex de Minaur on Sunday, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling week of tennis. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will begin his campaign against Casper Ruud on Monday. With both players riding high on confidence and momentum, the ATP Finals could very well be the setting for another chapter in their burgeoning rivalry.
The 2024 ATP Finals represent more than just a chance to lift a trophy. For Sinner, it is an opportunity to showcase his skills on home soil and solidify his place among Italy’s sporting legends. For Alcaraz, it is another chance to affirm his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars and cap off a season filled with unforgettable moments. With both players at the peak of their powers, tennis fans around the world are in for a treat. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Alcaraz and Sinner, the two young titans who have defined the 2024 season and continue to push the boundaries of excellence on the court.