The ATP Finals drama never disappoints—and this year, it’s already serving plot twists. Novak Djokovic’s sudden withdrawal sent shockwaves through Turin, but for Carlos Alcaraz, it brought a sigh of relief. The Spaniard didn’t mince words as he opened up about the change and his next opponent, Italy’s own Lorenzo Musetti.

The Serb had qualified for the ATP Finals after Alcaraz and Sinner, but we saw him being a bit reluctant to confirm his presence in this year-ending event. Djokovic recently took part in the Hellenic Championship in Athens, and over there, he clinched his 101st ATP Tour title. However, shortly after his incredible win against Lorenzo Musetti, he shared a post on social media saying, “I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today's final in Athens, I'm sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury. I'm truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play.”

Novak Djokovic is one of the few players who has a favorable H2H record (5-4) against Carlos Alcaraz. So, in the post-match press conference, when the Spaniard was asked to share his thoughts about Djokovic’s withdrawal, he said, “I'm not going to lie, I prefer Lorenzo to Djokovic in the group. It's always difficult to face Novak here because of his experience and his level on these courts. I lost to him in the 2023 semifinals, and I think I played well, but he crushed me. It's clear that Musetti is in Turin because he deserves it. We'll see how he adapts because he's coming from playing in Athens and hasn't had a chance to get a feel for the court.” 

As the young Spaniard prepares to continue his quest for year-end glory, his words reflect both humility and hunger. With Djokovic out and Musetti in, the narrative may have shifted—but for Alcaraz, the mission remains the same: to stamp his authority on the Tour, no matter who stands across the net. 

Against Musetti, Alcaraz has a head-to-head record of 6-1. With his 7-6(5), 6-2 win against Alex de Minaur in the previous match, he’s now set to face the Italian for the fourth time this season. Alcaraz has now also equalled Jannik Sinner (14) for the most Top-10 wins in 2025. What a season this has been for the Spaniard. This was his 68th win of the season, and in 2025, he has already won eight titles. So, winning the ATP Finals title would just be a cherry on top for the world number one. What else did Alcaraz say after the match?

Carlos Alcaraz reveals his goals for the rest of the 2025 season

Carlos Alcaraz arrived at the ATP Finals with a mix of excitement and nerves. The world number one knew the challenge that awaited him—facing some of the best players in the world at one of the toughest stages in the sport. After his win against Alex de Minaur, he admitted, “I was nervous at the beginning, so getting rid of that feeling helps a lot. Obviously, starting the tournament with a victory gives you confidence for the upcoming matches.”

For Carlitos, this wasn’t just another tournament; it was an opportunity to prove that his season’s hard work and persistence were paying off. “This year is a little different. I've done what's necessary to get here motivated. I want to play good tennis to try and win this tournament. It's one of the best we have on the calendar, and you play against the world's top eight,” said Alcaraz.

This victory against ‘Demon’ has not only steadied Carlos Alcaraz’s nerves but also reignited his hunger, and all he now wants is to come out all guns blazing to accomplish his twin goals and finish the year on the highest note. Talking about goals, she said, “I'm fighting to win the title and the World No. 1 ranking. I'm satisfied with the way I played. It's very difficult to play against De Minaur, and I'm already looking forward to the next match.”

As things stand, Alcaraz can clinch the year-end number one ranking if he wins all three of his group stage matches in Turin. However, even if he loses one match, he can still claim the crown by reaching the final next Sunday. However, his fierce competitor, Jannik Sinner, must defend his title to stand any chance while also requiring Alcaraz to lose a group match and not reach the final.

If we take a look at the Live Rankings, Carlos Alcaraz currently has 11,050 points, while Sinner is in the second spot with 10,000 points. This was the first time that Alcaraz has won his opener at the ATP Finals. So, we can surely expect some things from the Spaniard in this tournament. What do you say?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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