The 2025 ATP Finals in Turin promises a thrilling conclusion to a season-long duel between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have shared the world number one ranking for the past 17 months. Fans and analysts alike are captivated by the “Sincaraz” rivalry, as both players vie for the prestigious year-end world number one title.

Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 24, have dominated men’s tennis throughout the year, sweeping all four Grand Slam titles between them and consistently leading the ATP Tour in rankings. Sinner’s season has been particularly remarkable given he missed three months of competition due to a doping-related suspension, yet he returned to claim key titles and defend his standing.

Who Needs What to Finish Year-End Number One?

Entering the ATP Finals, Alcaraz holds a 1,050-point lead over Sinner, giving the Spaniard a clear advantage. To secure the year-end number one:

• Alcaraz will guarantee the top spot by reaching the final, and can ensure it outright by winning all three group matches.
• Sinner must defend his ATP Finals title and hope Alcaraz loses a group match and fails to reach the final to overtake him.

Winning the tournament undefeated awards 1,500 ranking points, with 200 points earned per round-robin win, 400 for a semi-final victory, and 500 for lifting the trophy.

“Ending as number one has been an important goal for me since halfway through the year,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on his previous year-end top ranking in 2022.

Highlights of the Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry

The two stars have produced an enthralling Grand Slam trilogy in 2025:

• Australian Open: Sinner successfully defended his title before his suspension.
• French Open: Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a classic final.
• Wimbledon: Sinner demonstrated mental resilience to win, bouncing back from Paris heartbreak.
• US Open: Alcaraz delivered one of his finest career performances to claim the final major of the season.

This sees the season’s four Grand Slam titles evenly split, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry.

Alcaraz’s Path in Turin

Placed in the Jimmy Connors Group, Alcaraz faced potential competition from Novak Djokovic, seven-time ATP Finals champion, who ultimately withdrew after claiming his 101st tour-level title in Athens. Djokovic’s absence benefits Alcaraz, removing the most experienced threat from his group.

The rest of the group includes:

• Taylor Fritz (USA, Seed 6): 2024 ATP Finals runner-up, 2025 titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne.
• Alex de Minaur (Australia, Seed 7): 2025 Washington champion, consistent tour performer.
• Lorenzo Musetti (Italy, Seed 9): Debuting at the ATP Finals after a strong year.

Sinner’s Challenges

Sinner is considered Alcaraz’s main rival but enjoys a strong record on indoor courts, where his precise, metronomic play has helped him extend an indoor winning streak to 26 matches, including victory at the Paris Masters.

Sinner competes in the Bjorn Borg Group alongside:

• Alexander Zverev (Germany, Seed 3): Two-time ATP Finals champion.
• Ben Shelton (USA, Seed 5): 2025 Canada Open champion.
• Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada, Seed 8): Three titles in 2025, making a late surge into the top eight.

The Italian faces a tougher path due to stronger seedings, but his prowess in indoor conditions gives him a legitimate chance to claim the year-end crown.

Season Finale Anticipation

With the ATP Finals marking the final event of the 2025 season, the duel between Alcaraz and Sinner is set to provide one of the most compelling finales in recent tennis history. Fans will be watching closely to see who will lift the year-end number one trophy, cementing their status as the dominant force in men’s tennis.