As expected, it will be Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner in the championship match of the Nitto ATP Finals. It’s a fitting conclusion to a year that has been completely dominated by the top two players in the world. Following Sinner’s 7-5, 6-2 victory over Alex de Minaur, Alcaraz erased Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-4.
Sinner improved to 13-0 lifetime against De Minaur by cruising in one hour and 52 minutes. He is now 29-2 in total sets at the Aussie’s expense.
It wasn’t entirely routine, however. De Minaur jumped out to a 0-40 lead on his opponent’s serve for a chance to seize a quick 2-0 advantage. Sinner ended up holding, and a handful of tough service holds eventually resulted in a 5-5 deadlock. Finally, though, the Italian pulled away. A break at 5-5 was the lone difference in set one, after which Sinner raced away with the second.
“He was serving very well, especially during the important moments of the first set,” Sinner assessed. “I struggled a little bit to return his serve today, but I raised my level in the second set.
“(It was an) amazing atmosphere here, as always. I’m very happy to be in the final. I’m happy to play the last match of the season in front of this beautiful crowd. It has been an amazing year; finishing here in Turin with another final is really special.”
The 24-year-old is one win away from triumphing in Turin as an undefeated champion, just as he did last 12 months ago. Sinner has won an unbelievable 18 consecutive sets at this event.
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head series 11-5 (10-5 at the ATP level). They have faced each other in the last three Grand Slam finals, with Alcaraz prevailing at Roland Garros and the U.S. Open surrounding Sinner’s success at Wimbledon.
Sunday marks the Spaniard’s first appearance in the final of the year-end championship.
WHO YA GOT?
It’s Sinners best surface, so him, tennis is the winner when these two face off, like both, loving the rivalry 👍
yep