Carlos Alcaraz secured a spot in the ATP Finals semifinals and reclaimed the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner. The 22-year-old discussed his strategy for managing performance and emotions, a skill he claims took him 4 years to perfect.
Alcaraz emphasizes the importance of emotional control over victory itself. "Most of the time, I don't win when I'm not at my best", Alcaraz admitted after defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 in the final group stage match of the ATP Finals. "But I always fight and give myself a chance. I know I have to play at a high level, even when I'm not in perfect condition. Winning is winning, but I think what's most important is how you control your performance and emotions, especially when you're playing your best or your worst".
His victory over Musetti on 13/11 allowed Alcaraz to conclude the group stage undefeated, earning 600 ATP points. This secured his position as the year-end world number one, irrespective of rival Sinner's results. "I think I played great tennis", Alcaraz added. "I am very happy to have come to Turin with confidence, and then this result happened".
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Alcaraz serves during his match against Musetti, at Inalpi Arena, Turin, Italy on 13/11. Photo: Reuters |
Alcaraz had a remarkable 2025 season, winning eight titles, the most on the ATP Tour. These included two Grand Slams (Roland Garros and US Open), three ATP Masters 1000 titles (Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati), and three ATP 500 titles (Rotterdam, Queen’s Club, and Tokyo). This marks his most successful season in terms of championships won. He is also the second active player, alongside Novak Djokovic (eight times), to finish the year at number one more than once.
Despite arriving at the ATP Finals with doubts about his indoor hard-court performance, following an opening match loss at the Paris Masters more than a week prior, Alcaraz considers 2025 his best indoor season to date. He briefly hesitated, momentarily forgetting his first indoor title in Rotterdam in 2/2025, before making this statement.
Alcaraz acknowledged his limited experience on indoor courts. "I don't play too many indoor tournaments each year, so I don't have much experience", Alcaraz explained. "But I feel very good after each match at the ATP Finals, and I hope to feel even better as I advance to the semifinals".
A key to Alcaraz's sustained success is his proactive management of rest periods within his schedule. This strategy helps him maintain freshness throughout the demanding 11-month season. "It's always a process of understanding myself, understanding what I need on and off the court", he added. "I manage the balance between physical and mental strength well".
Following his win over Musetti, Alcaraz took about one and a half hours to meet the media, having celebrated his year-end world number one title for 2025. However, he remains focused, recognizing that he has only achieved one of two main goals. "The tournament is not over yet", Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz topped the Jimmy Connors group and is set to face the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime in the ATP Finals semifinals. He is just two victories away from claiming his first year-end tournament title. Alex De Minaur also advanced to the semifinals from the Jimmy Connors group, as the runner-up.
By Vy Anh
