The pressure is ON! Can Carlos Alcaraz conquer Turin and cement his year-end No. 1 ranking? The Nitto ATP Finals are just around the corner, and the stars are already landing in Italy, hungry for victory. But here's where it gets controversial: with so much talent on display, is Alcaraz really the favorite, or will a dark horse steal the show?
Alcaraz Kicks Off Preparations in Turin
On Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, the sensational Spaniard, officially began his quest for the Nitto ATP Finals title. He held his first practice session inside the impressive Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, marking the start of his on-site preparations. Alcaraz shared the court with fellow Nitto ATP Finals competitor Taylor Fritz during an evening training session. This early practice demonstrates Alcaraz's dedication and focus as he aims for a strong performance in the prestigious tournament.
The Stakes are High: A Maiden Title and Year-End No. 1
Alcaraz isn't just aiming for any victory; he's laser-focused on securing his maiden Nitto ATP Finals trophy. And this is the part most people miss: he's also fiercely competing to finish the season as the ATP Year-End No. 1, presented by PIF. He’s currently leading the pack with an impressive 67 match wins this season and has already added eight titles to his growing collection. This dominant performance makes him a formidable contender.
Zverev, Shelton, Sinner, and de Minaur Join the Fray
But Alcaraz isn't the only one vying for the title. Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton have also arrived in Turin and held their own practice sessions inside the Inalpi Arena on Wednesday. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur were spotted hitting balls at Stampa Sporting, a nearby practice facility. The competition is clearly heating up!
Shelton's Debut and Zverev's Experience
For Ben Shelton, this year's Nitto ATP Finals marks his debut at this prestigious year-end event. The 23-year-old American has had a breakthrough season, highlighted by his biggest career title win at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada in August. This victory propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 6. He also impressed by reaching his second major semi-final at the Australian Open. Shelton's youthful energy and powerful game could make him a dangerous opponent.
In contrast, Alexander Zverev brings a wealth of experience to the tournament. He's a two-time champion at the Nitto ATP Finals, having lifted the trophy in both 2018 and 2021. The German reached his third major final in Melbourne and secured his 24th tour-level title in Munich in April. Zverev's proven track record makes him a serious threat to the other competitors.
The Big Question
With all these incredible players battling for supremacy, who do you think will emerge victorious at the Nitto ATP Finals? Will Alcaraz continue his dominant season, or will we see a surprise champion rise to the occasion? And more importantly, does the fact that some players practiced at the main arena while others were relegated to a secondary venue create an unfair advantage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! All photo credits: Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour
