Carlos Alcaraz One Win Away From World No.1 Ranking; Edges Out Taylor Fritz At ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz One Win Away From World No.1 Ranking; Edges Out Taylor Fritz At ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz took a big step toward reclaiming the year-end world No. 1 ranking after battling past Taylor Fritz in a gruelling three-set encounter at the ATP Finals in Turin on Tuesday.

The Spaniard overcame a sluggish start to prevail 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3, making it two wins from two in the Jimmy Connors Group and moving within touching distance of the semifinals — and a second consecutive year-ending top spot.

“I'm really happy that I was able to come back, find my good tennis," Alcaraz said after the win. “I just tried to make the most of the opportunities that he gave to me. I think we played great tennis, some great points."

If Alcaraz defeats Lorenzo Musetti in his final group-stage match on Thursday, he will guarantee finishing 2025 as world No. 1, regardless of rival Jannik Sinner's results.

Sinner, who replaced Alcaraz at the top after winning the Paris Masters, must defend his Turin title undefeated to keep his slim hopes alive.

A Gruelling Battle

Fritz, last year's runner-up, came out firing, relying on his trademark serve to edge a 70-minute first set via a dominant tie-break. Both players traded early breaks, and the American saved multiple break points to stay ahead before closing the set with his sixth ace.

The second set proved a marathon, highlighted by a 21-minute service game from Alcaraz in which he saved two break points and celebrated escaping with a hold “as if he'd won the match."

Fritz appeared poised to force another tie-break, but the pressure told late in the set — two unforced errors at 5-6 gifted Alcaraz a lifeline, and the 22-year-old converted his second set point with a blistering passing shot to level the match.

From there, momentum was firmly with the Spaniard.

Alcaraz broke midway through the deciding set and held firm, sealing the victory after two hours and 47 minutes as Fritz's backhand drifted wide.

What's Next

The win improved Alcaraz's head-to-head record against Fritz to 5-1, with the American's only victory coming at the 2024 Laver Cup.

Fritz will next face Alex de Minaur in his final group match, needing a straight-sets win and favourable results to stay in contention for the semifinals.

(with AFP inputs)

Source: News18
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