Overview
- Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to defend his ATP Finals title in Turin, as Alcaraz still secured the year‑end No. 1 with both far ahead of No. 3 Alexander Zverev.
- Jimmy Connors, Feliciano Lopez and Ivan Ljubicic argue the pair’s grip on majors is set to continue after they split the last eight Grand Slams and met in three straight major finals in 2025.
- Following a right thigh withdrawal from Spain’s Davis Cup squad, Alcaraz booked December exhibitions in New Jersey and Miami and a January 10 Incheon exhibition with Sinner, drawing warnings from some that workload could affect Australian Open readiness; Alcaraz says he is targeting a Career Grand Slam with a strong pre‑season.
- Rising 19‑year‑old Joao Fonseca, now ranked No. 24 after titles in Buenos Aires and Basel, is tipped by Alcaraz and coach Rick Macci as a near‑term challenger to the top two.
- Sinner’s fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, implicated in the clostebol contamination case that led to Sinner’s three‑month ban earlier this year, has rejoined the team and publicly thanked Sinner, while Jack Sock questioned how close the rivals are off court and Patrick Mouratoglou downplayed the meaning of Alcaraz’s 10‑6 head‑to‑head lead.