Jannik Sinner claims emotional Nitto ATP Finals triumph with victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Turin - 'It means the world to me'
By James Hilsum
Updated 16/11/2025 at 20:50 GMT
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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz contested the latest chapter in an enthralling rivalry, which has defined the top of the men's game in recent years. Both players produced some sublime moments of skill in a gripping encounter, but it was Sinner who came out on top after a breathless two hours and 15 minutes of play in northern Italy. The Italian once again triumphed on an indoor court.
Sinner through to climax of ATP Finals after victory over De Minaur
Video credit: SNTV
Jannik Sinner claimed a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Nitto ATP Finals showpiece match, winning 7-6(4) 7-5 to retain his title in Turin.
The Italian produced a dazzling display on home soil to successfully defend his title in what was a 10th successive victory at the Inalpi Arena.
Sinner’s resistance was tested at times during a pulsating encounter, but he showed his class once again on an indoor surface.
He swept aside all that came before him, retaining the trophy without dropping a set for a second consecutive tournament.
This victory also ensured Sinner closed the overall head-to-head record to 10-6 in Alcaraz’s favour on the ATP Tour, as the 24-year-old had the final say in 2025 in this absorbing tennis rivalry.
Speaking on court immediately after the match, Sinner said: "We are individual athletes obviously, but at the same time, without a team this is not possible and celebrating this trophy at the end of the year, after such an intense last couple of months, there is no better ending for me.
"It was a tough and very, very close match-up. You know, set point in the first set [to Alcaraz], but I’m extremely happy with how I handled the situation, and it means the world to me."
Sinner took the opportunity to pay tribute to Alcaraz, and ranked his great rival alongside Novak Djokovic in terms of his returning abilities.
He added: "It was tough, playing against Carlos, you have to play at your best.
"I was serving very well at times, but he is one of the best returners - if not the best returner in the game. Obviously, Novak [Djokovic] is in there, but you know, I’m very happy.
"It was a very tough match, but it means a lot to me ending the season like this. It’s amazing."
According to Opta, Sinner became the first player to win successive ATP Finals without conceding a set in multiple and consecutive years.
That record was under threat though, in an opening set which almost went in Alcaraz’s favour with the score at 6-5.
Sinner would showcase his prowess to recover and take it into a tie-break, where he prevailed 7-4 and broke the Spaniard’s serve twice in the process.
However, Sinner showed a few chinks in his armour at the start of the second, as Alcaraz took an early break in the first game.
But that advantage was wiped out at 3-3, as Sinner moved the match back on serve with a delightful cross-court shot.
The double break and the match was wrapped up at 7-5 at the end of an absorbing rally which has epitomised their blockbuster clashes.
Ultimately, an errant wide backhand ended Alcaraz's challenge and Sinner could celebrate back-to-back ATP Finals titles.
- ‘I only see legends’ – Alcaraz on winning 'beautiful fight' with Sinner for No. 1 spot
- Djokovic admits 'slap from reality' as he says suspension cloud will 'always follow' Sinner
Alcaraz and his team will reflect on a frustrating evening on a surface where he will be targeting improvements heading into the New Year.
In a career which has already yielded some outstanding success, this was only his third indoor final after victories at the ATP Next Gen Finals four years ago, and in Rotterdam earlier this year.
The 27-year wait for a Spaniard to win this trophy continues, with Alex Corretja their last winner back in 1998.
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