Carlos Alcaraz enters the ATP Finals in Turin as one of the favorites to claim victory, capping off what has been a whirlwind 2024 season. The Spanish sensation, who has rapidly ascended to become one of the most formidable forces on the ATP Tour, is laser-focused on making his mark at this season-ending showdown. After an intense year filled with triumphs and battles on courts around the world, Alcaraz aims to finish strong before taking a well-deserved break. However, his quest for ATP Finals glory got off to a challenging start, as he suffered a surprising defeat in his group stage opener against Norway’s Casper Ruud, losing 1-6, 5-7.
The setback against Ruud was not the start Alcaraz had envisioned, but the 21-year-old is determined to bounce back. Next up, he faces Andrey Rublev, a player known for his aggressive baseline game and relentless energy. Alcaraz will need to dig deep and rely on his signature blend of speed, power, and tactical prowess to overcome Rublev. His final group-stage match will pit him against world number two Alexander Zverev, a matchup that promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the sport’s brightest stars. Zverev recently overtook Alcaraz in the ATP rankings, adding another layer of intrigue to their encounter. Both players are part of the highly competitive John Newcombe Group, and every match counts in their quest for a spot in the semifinals.
While Alcaraz focuses on his immediate challenges in Turin, world number one Jannik Sinner leads the Ilie Nastase Group alongside Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. Sinner began his campaign with a victory over De Minaur, setting a high standard for the rest of the group. For Alcaraz, this means that he must find every ounce of motivation and resilience to stay in contention at the ATP Finals.
Fortunately, Alcaraz draws inspiration from a trio of sporting icons who have shaped his mindset and approach to competition. Speaking to the ATP Tour ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz revealed his three primary idols: Rafael Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Michael Jordan. “Firstly, I would choose Rafael Nadal,” Alcaraz said. “In my family, at home, we always watch tennis. My father was a player when he was young, and there was only tennis on the TV. Rafa was Spanish and the way he played, the way he behaved, inspired me a lot. That is why he is my idol.”
Nadal’s influence on Alcaraz extends far beyond the court. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has set a gold standard for professionalism, sportsmanship, and relentless determination, traits that Alcaraz seeks to emulate. Having had the privilege of playing both against and alongside Nadal, Alcaraz has learned invaluable lessons from his compatriot and mentor. This connection has fueled Alcaraz’s drive to carry forward the legacy of Spanish tennis once Nadal retires from the sport after the Davis Cup Finals later this month, where both will represent Spain in Malaga.
In addition to Nadal, Alcaraz looks up to global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo for his unparalleled confidence and work ethic. “I love Cristiano Ronaldo. The confidence he has is unbelievable. He always believes in himself,” Alcaraz remarked. “When I hear he is the first player to go to training and the last one to go home, that shows the hard worker he is and that inspires me a lot.” Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence has motivated Alcaraz to push his limits on the court, whether during grueling training sessions or high-stakes matches.
The third member of Alcaraz’s trio of idols is basketball legend Michael Jordan. “I watched many videos from him. I watched the Netflix series from him. His mentality is one of the best mentalities we have in sport,” Alcaraz said. Jordan’s “win-at-all-costs” mentality, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has resonated deeply with Alcaraz, shaping his approach to both victory and adversity.
While Alcaraz continues to forge his own path, his journey is undeniably influenced by the values and lessons of these three icons. With four major titles already to his name, including two captured this year, Alcaraz is building a legacy that reflects the perseverance of Nadal, the discipline of Ronaldo, and the winning mindset of Jordan. Yet, he acknowledges the enormity of the task that lies ahead: attempting to fill the void that will be left by Nadal’s retirement. Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles place him among the sport’s greatest legends, alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz’s climb to the pinnacle of tennis is a testament to his immense talent and unyielding determination. Despite the pressure of expectations and the weight of history, he remains grounded and driven by his passion for the sport. Each victory, each setback, and each lesson learned propels him forward on his quest for greatness. As he faces Rublev and Zverev in Turin, Alcaraz will need every bit of the inspiration and strength he has drawn from his idols to keep his ATP Finals dream alive.
Whether or not he emerges victorious in Turin, Alcaraz has already solidified his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. His journey is a reminder that greatness is built not only on wins and titles but on the resilience to overcome challenges, the willingness to learn, and the courage to dream. In the footsteps of Nadal, and with the spirit of Ronaldo and Jordan guiding him, Carlos Alcaraz is poised to continue shaping the future of tennis.