For the first time in nearly a quarter-century (since 2001), the ATP Finals will be without any of the legendary Big Three—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. This historic shift has opened the door for the next generation of stars. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are poised to headline the event and ignite their burgeoning rivalry in Turin.
A Rivalry Renewed: Sinner and Alcaraz Face Off on Tennis’ Biggest Stage
Top-ranked Sinner and World No. 3 Alcaraz have each claimed two Grand Slam titles this season, dividing the year’s major honors evenly. Their thrilling matchups have captivated tennis fans, with Alcaraz holding a 3-0 edge in their official encounters this year. Yet, Sinner will have the home-court advantage in Turin, as he plays his first major event in Italy since a recent U.S. Open victory.
The draw for the Finals has kept these two powerhouses in separate groups, setting up the tantalizing possibility of a championship showdown. Sinner will compete in the Ilie Nastase Group alongside Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur, while Alcaraz will contend in the John Newcombe Group with Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev.
Djokovic’s Absence Changes the Landscape
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who has a record seven ATP Finals titles, withdrew due to an unspecified injury. His absence, along with Federer’s retirement and Nadal’s upcoming farewell at the Davis Cup, underscores a generational transition in tennis. This year marks the first since 2002 without a Grand Slam title for one of the Big Three, solidifying a changing of the guard as Sinner and Alcaraz step into the spotlight.
The Field: Former Champions and Rising Stars
Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are the only two past ATP Finals champions in the draw, with Zverev aiming for his third title after triumphs in 2018 and 2021. Medvedev, who won in 2020, will look to reassert his dominance after a mixed season. Meanwhile, Fritz, fresh off his maiden Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, and Ruud, a 2022 finalist, bring additional firepower. De Minaur will make his tournament debut, while Rublev returns for his fifth consecutive Finals appearance.
High Stakes and Historic Payouts
This year’s champion could earn up to $4.8 million—the largest winner’s prize in men’s tennis. That payday eclipses the earnings Sinner and Alcaraz took home for their Grand Slam wins at the U.S. Open ($3.6 million) and Wimbledon ($3.45 million), adding even more intensity to an already high-stakes tournament.
Sinner’s Unresolved Doping Case Looms Over the Event
Sinner’s season has not been without controversy. The Italian tested positive in two drug tests earlier this year, though he was cleared of wrongdoing. The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed this decision, and a final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected early next year. Despite the uncertainty, Sinner remains focused, calling the ATP Finals “the main event of the end of the year.”
A New Chapter Begins in Turin
The ATP Finals in Turin will showcase tennis’ future with Sinner, Alcaraz, and other rising stars competing for the season’s ultimate prize. With Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal out of the picture, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown and the emergence of a new champion. Fans can expect intensity, drama, and a glimpse into the next era of men’s tennis.
