Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling ATP Finals decider in Turin, winning his second consecutive title without dropping a set. The Italian emulated Alcaraz's signature gesture of cupping his ear to the crowd after a gruelling 24-shot rally, whipping the home fans into a frenzy. Sinner fell onto his back after match point, sealing a 6-4, 6-4 victory that capped an emotional season.
Sinner's fitness coach Umberto Ferrara was seen in tears after the win, having returned to the team before Wimbledon following his dismissal over the Italian's doping case. 'There is for sure no better ending for the season,' Sinner said. 'It has been an incredible season, so many ups, difficult moments obviously, for various reasons.'
The victory was particularly significant for Sinner after his US Open final defeat to Alcaraz in September, which prompted him to overhaul his game. In Turin, his reworked serve proved a key weapon, but he also showcased variety with a forehand lob and a delicate drop shot. 'You don't have many, but after every loss you come back stronger,' Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz, who had won seven of their previous eight meetings, finished the year as world No. 1 with eight titles from 11 finals. His US Open triumph was the highlight of a consistent season, where he reached nine consecutive finals across all surfaces. The rivalry between the two has dominated men's tennis in 2025, with all six of their meetings coming in finals.
Their duopoly has locked out the rest of the field, with Alcaraz and Sinner winning eight consecutive grand slam titles. Novak Djokovic, at 38, reached the semi-finals of all four majors but was overshadowed by the pair. The 2026 season is expected to see them continue their dominance, starting at the Australian Open.
