Jannik Sinner outwits Carlos Alcaraz at home in ATP Finals, but the Spaniard moves on fast

So often we say in sports that the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story, but the result in the ATP Finals summit clash between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz pretty much sums up the intense rivalry the two youngsters have developed. Playing at home, the 24-year-old Sinner narrowly escaped against two years younger Alcaraz as he won 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final of the season-ending championships.

If anything, the only regret neutral fans would have from the high-octane clash is that it did not move into a third set. A 6-5 in the first set, Alcaraz had the chance to win the first set, but Sinner’s new, improved aggressive serving came to his rescue.

Sinner escapes against Alcaraz in ATP Finals

Ever since losing the US Open final to the 22-year-old Spaniard, Sinner has been seen serving with more purpose and clarity. And that’s what he did on his serve with Alcaraz ahead 6-5 in the first set. He shot a 117mph second serve to Alcaraz’s backhand to save the break point.

This was followed by a couple of unreturnable first serves, which led to a tie-break that Sinner won.

Alcaraz faced a hamstring issue in the second set, being strapped for it as Sinner started using more drop shots that also helped him save a break point in the seventh game. He then broke Alcaraz again to clinch the mega final.

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“You are definitely a player I look up to,” Sinner said while singing praises for Alcaraz after his victory.

“[You give me] a lot of motivation - I need this - in every practice session with a big, big purpose.

“I hope to see you again next year with, hopefully, great, great battles ahead of us.”

“If it’s another player other than me, I would always choose you” 🥹

Jannik Sinner congratulates Alcaraz on his year-end No. 1 ranking.#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/RUcrQ5hYsH

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 16, 2025

It was a much-needed victory for Sinner, who lost the US Open final to Alcaraz and trails 6-10 in the rivalry. He had scripted a similar turnaround at Wimbledon earlier this year, when he bounced back from a heartbreaking defeat in the French Open final to clinch the grass court major.

But it’s going to be even tougher for Sinner next season, because the six-time Grand Slam winner has shown that he has this amazing ability to keep improving and coming back against the Italian. The way he did it at the US Open after the Wimbledon setback and by clinching the year-end world ranking.

Alcaraz warns Sinner ahead of 2026

After his defeat in front of the partisan crowd at Turin on Sunday, Alcaraz showed no frustration as he put up a proud face, praised Sinner and dropped a warning.

“I’m just really happy with the level that I played today, with the performance,” said Alcaraz. “I mean, I just played against someone that haven’t lost a match on an indoor court for two years now.

“A well deserved trophy. It is a great year for you. You know, it’s time to rest. Hope you are going to be ready for next year, because I will be ready.

“Hopefully we will play more finals against each other. It’s been a really long year, a really great achievement, and really great level through the whole year.

“It wasn’t to be to win this final, but I just want to let you know that I’m going to leave the court with the head really high. I left everything.”

The duo has dominated the world of men’s tennis in the last two years and the ATP Finals was just another exhibition of how the next year may also belong to them. But would Alcaraz continue to dominate their rivalry? We would know soon, and that’s Sinner’s biggest challenge.