The 56th edition of the Nitto ATP Finals concluded on Sunday with an absorbing title match, which saw Jannik Sinner retaining the crown with a 7-6(4), 7-5 triumph over world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in two hours and 15 minutes at the Inalpi Arena.
During the trophy ceremony, the San Candido-born outlined: “We are individual athletes, but without my team, this is not possible. Celebrating this trophy at the end of the year after such an intense last couple of months, there is no better ending.
“It was a very, very close match. I saved a set point in the first set, and I am extremely happy with how I handled the situation, and it means the world to me.”
Following a much-anticipated sixth championship match of the season between the players who have taken the tour by storm in 2025, the Italian No. 1 racquet extended his winning streak to 31 matches on indoor hard courts.
They went toe-to-toe across an intense first set, delivering a high-class level of tennis, pushing each other to the limit.
On one side of the net, the defending champion looked nervous, tense for the first half of the set, but once he gained confidence, his level rose, and a close battle naturally unfolded.
On the other side, Alcaraz, who secured the Year-end world No. 1 this week in Turin, played free, on his own terms, adding magic to his sublime shotmaking and court coverage.
The 22-year-old’s ability to paint the lines from impossible angles made him unpredictable and dangerous, changing direction and speed at any given time.
Moreover, the player’s relentless fighting spirit saw him deliver an explosive display even in difficult moments, taking ferocious forehand cross-court winners from his vast repertoire to make a difference.
In the change of ends at 5-4, the Spaniard called for the trainer, appearing to have a hamstring issue, causing tightness in his right leg.
The physio treated the six-time major winner, massaging the area, running back to the court minutes later.
Such a close match saw the title contenders head into a tiebreak, where brilliant exchanges sent the crowd present at a packed stadium into a frenzy.
A few points from notching the first set, the Wimbledon champion played a round game, holding his nerve when it mattered the most.
From executing a volley with finesse, followed by a superb lob, to battling through a lengthy 17-shot rally, Sinner was in a level of his own.
Gifted a set point, he seized the moment with a winner to grab his 19th straight set at the venue, striking first 7-6(4) in 79 minutes.
On his way, the Italian fired 17 winners (6 aces) against 16 unforced errors (10 on the backhand), winning 85 percent of the points on his first serve.
In addition, he did not face a break point all set, a story that Alcaraz, who returned to action with his upper right leg heavily taped, would quickly change.
The two-time US Open champion broke serve to set off the second set; overhitting, his opponent double-faulted twice in the process, backing up his break to lead 2-0, playing with aggression.
Taking the initiative, he fired two aces before extending his advantage to 3-1, wise on the return.
From there, momentum shifted; facing severe pressure, the Murcia native hit a flat forehand long, handing his adversary the chance to convert his first break point.
A booming body serve, courtesy of the 24-year-old, was not enough to take care of business, but when the ball looped and landed just in, he went for it again with his drop shot, catching the top of the net. As a result, the second seed converted the break to tie the scoreline 3-3.
In a dramatic seventh game, the former world number one came out on fire, saving a break point, ahead of a gruelling 24-shot rally to hold his ground, prevailing in the longer points.
As the clock marked two hours of play, Alcaraz was on serve to stay in the match, which he did, and once again they were even 5-5.
Nonetheless, the man who leads the tour in wins (71) this year, misfired and was neutralized by his rival, no longer moving as freely on the court as before.
Leading 6-5, the world No. 2, determined to avoid a second tiebreak, left all on the court, and his efforts paid dividends.
He moved on to earn his first match point, which he took as Alcaraz hit a forehand long, breaking to pocket the set 7-5, retaining the crown without dropping a set all tournament for the second year in a row.
The Spanish player addressed Sinner during the trophy ceremony, sharing, “I am really happy with the level I played today. He is someone who has not lost a match on an indoor court for two years now, so that means how great a player you are. Putting in great work with your team every time.
“You come back even stronger after every loss; you don’t have many. A well-deserved final.”
A fitting end to a remarkable season, winning six titles, including majors: the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He also surged to victory in Beijing, Vienna, Paris Masters 1000, and the Finals.
The “Sincaraz” rivalry promises to write a new and exciting chapter next season between the off-court friends.