Carlos Alcaraz says he has entered the ATP Finals “with motivation” as he moved a step nearer to the year-end world primary rating with victory over Alex de Minaur.
The 22-year-old Spaniard gained his opening Jimmy Connors Group match 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 in a single hour and 40 minutes in Turin, Italy.
Alcaraz is making his third look on the season-ending event however has by no means reached the ultimate earlier than.
He withdrew injured in 2022, misplaced within the semi-finals on debut a 12 months later and didn’t qualify from the group final 12 months.
Alcaraz is battling rival Jannik Sinner for the highest rating, with the Italian transferring again to the highest spot after his victory on the Paris Masters final week.
“I have been struggling up to now three years to come back to the top of the 12 months with power and motivation. This 12 months is a little bit bit totally different,” Alcaraz stated.
“I am actually proud about the way in which I have been doing issues to come back right here with motivation.
“I am actually excited and searching ahead to enjoying nice tennis, and giving myself a shot to attempt to win this event.”
Within the Bjorn Borg Group, two-time winner Alexander Zverev produced a serving masterclass to beat American debutant Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6 (8-6).
