Carlos Alcaraz conceded that Jannik Sinner enters Sunday’s ATP Finals final as the favorite, following the world number one’s 6-2, 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Turin.
Alcaraz has had the upper hand in their season-long rivalry, winning four of five finals, including the US Open and Roland Garros, though Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon. Despite this, Alcaraz says Sinner’s home advantage and strong indoor form give him the edge.
“I mean, I’m the number one … and he’s playing the best on indoor court. We’re playing in front of his home crowd, so I would say he’s the favorite,” Alcaraz told reporters. “Don’t want to believe it, but I would say he’s the favorite for tomorrow.”
Sinner, who has yet to lose a service game in Turin and carries an 18-set winning streak at the venue, defeated Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2 earlier on Saturday. “Honestly every matchup (with Alcaraz) is different. We saw it in Rome and Paris, even if it’s the same surface (clay), it can change,” he said.
Alcaraz enters the showdown with momentum from his 13th consecutive win over De Minaur, but faces the dual challenge of Sinner’s supportive home crowd and a formidable indoor record, which includes a 30-match winning streak on indoor hard courts.