Overview

• Carlos Alcaraz began his fifth stint atop the PIF ATP Rankings on September 8 after beating Jannik Sinner in the US Open final to claim his sixth major, dropping only one set all tournament.
• Alcaraz has withdrawn from Spain’s Davis Cup tie with Denmark to rest, then will represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup before heading to the Japan Open in Tokyo and the Shanghai Masters.
• Samuel Lopez will cover coaching duties for the Laver Cup and Tokyo, with Juan Carlos Ferrero rejoining Alcaraz’s box in Shanghai as the world No. 1 manages his late‑season workload.
• Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick and Mark Petchey lauded Alcaraz’s progress, citing a sharper serve, added variety and growing star power, with Petchey noting surging interest after the US Open final.
• The Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry continues to define the men’s game as Novak Djokovic urges a ‘third guy’ to emerge, Boris Becker criticizes the chasing pack, and Sinner targets serving and tactical variety in his next phase.