Clash of the Giants in Turin: Sinner Seeks No. 1, Alcaraz Chases Glory

Semifinal lineups in Turin

After an exciting group stage at the Nitto ATP Finals, the knockout rounds begin Saturday in Turin with two semifinals. Carlos Alcaraz has sealed the year-end No. 1 ranking after three straight group wins, but he still needs two more victories to cap what has been a spectacular year. He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who stunned Alexander Zverev in a deciding-set thriller to reach the semis.

Road to the semis

On the other side of the draw, Jannik Sinner needed a slip from Alcaraz to finish the year top of the rankings, yet his own group-stage run keeps him chasing a Turin title. The local favorite will meet Daniel De Minaur after the Australian defeated Taylor Fritz 7-6, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals. De Minaur’s late surge came as Alcaraz’ win over Lorenzo Musetti sealed the Spaniard’s place in the knockout stage, effectively ensuring the Australian’s progress.

After his win, De Minaur said, “I’ve had a fair share of disappointments lately, so it was nice to win here in Turin. I’ve worked hard, and it’s a positive reward.”

Meanwhile Sinner wrapped up the group with a tough 6-3, 7-6 win over Ben Shelton, stressing that you must stay at a very high level when you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Alcaraz’s run to the semis included beating Musetti 6-4, 6-1, with the Spaniard admitting the pressure of ending the year No. 1.

Alcaraz also acknowledged the significance of his year-end top spot, saying, “This ranking means a lot to me; finishing as No. 1 at year’s end is always a goal.”

Auger-Aliassime then secured his spot by beating Alexander Zverev in straight sets, aiming to reach his first Turin final after several strong showings this season. The Spaniard and the Canadian have already met multiple times this year, with Alcaraz having controlled their encounters so far, including all sets between them in 2023 and 2024. The pair will meet for the first time this season in Turin’s semifinals.

Auger-Aliassime’s quarterfinal success came on Friday with a 6-4, 7-6 result against Zverev, advancing him to the semis for a shot at the title. He enters Saturday’s match with a chance to climb into the top five and to spoil the hopes of the world No. 1.

In a preview of the crunch clash, Alcaraz, who holds the top seed, said the event is highly valuable for players, and a late-season run is a meaningful statement after years of rising to the top of the rankings. He will now aim to reach his first final in Turin, while Auger-Aliassime seeks to interrupt the Spaniard’s dominance and claim a spot in the championship match.

Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs Felix Auger-Aliassime (8)

After sealing year-end No. 1 this week, Alcaraz can focus fully on the title in Turin, reaching the deepest stage of the event for the first time since 2023’s advanced showing. The match-up pits the defending world No. 1 in a bid to extend his stay atop the rankings, against a Canadian who is sharpening his tools for a breakthrough in the event’s last lap. The right-hander from Spain admitted nerves in high-stakes moments, but remains resolute about the path ahead.

Jannik Sinner (2) vs Daniel De Minaur (7)

For Sinner, a win here would reaffirm his bid to reclaim No. 1 at year’s end after a relentless group phase that left him undefeated in sets. De Minaur, meanwhile, has found form at the right time, riding momentum from Fritz’s exit and believing that the best is still ahead as he chases a first Turin final.

Both matches promise a dramatic finish, with Sinner seeking a return to the summit and Alcaraz chasing a historic Turin crown. The semifinals are set for Saturday as Turin becomes the stage for a decisive conclusion to a memorable season.

Punchline 1: In Turin, even the nets are on edge—these serves are so sharp, you’d think they came with a side of espresso and a warning label. Punchline 2: If drama were a weapon, these two semis would be armed to the teeth—turbo-charged tennis with a built-in soundtrack of spectators praying for an ace.