The Nitto ATP Finals represent a “real big and important week” for Carlos Alcaraz with both a first year-end title and a second year-end No. 1 finish on the line.
He took the first step towards achieving both with a 7-6(5), 6-2 win over Alex de Minaur on Sunday in the first round-robin match of the Jimmy Connors Group.
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The Spaniard holds the upper hand against Jannik Sinner in the hopes of securing the year-end No. 1 position for the first time since 2022. According to the ATP, he must reach the final with at least one round-robin win or sweep his round-robin matches.
“I think doing good in this tournament, winning matches here, it comes together with ending the year as No. 1,” Alcaraz said ahead of his third year-end championships appearance. “It’s kind of the same motivation. They stick together.”
Winning his opening group stage match for the first time may go a long way in the effort.
