Try as he might, Italian Lorenzo Musetti, in front of his loyal and passionate Turin crowd, couldn’t contain the power of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard from Murcia displayed magnificent and unstoppable tennis this Thursday, November 13th, at the Nitto ATP Finals, an exceptionally high level of play that led him to a victory that mathematically secured his place at the top of the rankings, with no turning back. Whatever happens in the tournament, ‘Carlitos’ will finish as world number 1, ahead of Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz defeated Musetti in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, which illustrates how the match unfolded. The Italian showed his courage and skillful one-handed backhand in an attempt to unsettle his opponent. However, the Spaniard was more motivated than ever, with the world number one ranking firmly in his sights. His unpredictable returns and relentless forehands left Musetti breathless for almost the entire match.
Alcaraz awaits his opponent between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime
In the Bjorn Borg Group, canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime kept his campaign alive with a 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 7-5 victory over american Ben Shelton, who has a powerful serve and is now eliminated. The winner of Friday’s match between Auger-Aliassime and Zverev will advance along with Jannik Sinner, who finished as the group leader and will face the runner-up from the Jimmy Connors Group.
Sacha Zverev remains in contention and will fight for a place in the semifinals by having secured at least one win. On the first day of the tournament, the german defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6. Shelton’s Turin run and his dream of becoming a “Master” title came to an end after falling to Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling three-set match.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates World No. 1 as Jannik Sinner prepares to face De Minaur
After his match against Musetti, Alcaraz gave an interview to the Turin crowd to talk about what it means to him to finish the year as world No. 1 and how the process unfolded. “To be honest, at the beginning of the year, I saw the number one ranking as very far away, with Jannik there winning almost every tournament he plays. For me, it means everything. The work we did every day throughout the season, the ups and downs, the comebacks in tennis.”
So I’m very proud of my team and myself
He concluded: “So I’m very proud of my team and myself.” All tennis fans are eagerly anticipating seeing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner face off again on the same court, the new doubles team and ultimate rivalry in world tennis. World No. 1 versus No. 2 it would be a dream to see them clash again in a final, and what better place than the last tournament of the year! We’ll have to wait, as first both must get through the semi-final stage: Alcaraz awaits his opponent and Sinner is already preparing against australian Alex de Minaur.
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