Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur 7-6(5), 6-2 in 1 hour 40 minutes, rallying from 3-5 in the first-set tiebreak before cruising through the second.
- The result means Alcaraz can finish the season as world No. 1 by winning two more round-robin matches or by reaching the final.
- This was Alcaraz’s first opening-match win at the ATP Finals after losses in his 2023 and 2024 debuts.
- Novak Djokovic withdrew from the event, bringing Lorenzo Musetti into the field; Alcaraz’s remaining group matches are against Taylor Fritz and Musetti.
- Elsewhere on opening day, Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6), and doubles team Horacio Zeballos/Marcel Granollers topped defending champions Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz 6-4, 4-6, 10-6.