It took Carlos Alcaraz three years to win the Nitto ATP Finals. Three years of learning, getting used to a different format, and understanding that there is no room for a slow start in Turin.
On Sunday, when he defeated Alex de Minaur in his opening match, the Spaniard finally got the start he wanted in the event that brings together the best eight players of the season.
“Opening the tournament with a win is always fun and always good. It can really give you a big boost of confidence for the next matches,” explains the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Alcaraz admitted he had some nerves at first – the pressure of the first match at the Nitto ATP Finals is always there – but he was happy to have started with a win at an event where the finer details can make all the difference. “If you win a match here, ultimately it is because you have played very well, because your level is very high,” said the 22-year-old.
“And that, in terms of sending a message to the other players and even to yourself, is very positive. I have been playing here for three years now and it is the first time I have won the first match, so I am happy with that. I will try to keep improving the little things that I did not do well today. I feel very motivated for the next matches.”
In 2023, the year of his debut at the tournament, Alcaraz lost his first match against Alexander Zverev. Last year the result was the same when he faced Casper Ruud in the first match. Now, in 2025, the Spaniard has had a tough opening match against De Minaur, a victory he celebrated by raising his arms to the sky. He finally gets his perfect start in the season finale.
Alcaraz’s analysis of the encounter also touched on some technical points. In Turin, where the speed of the indoor surface is considerable, he compared the conditions to those of Paris, his last tournament. “I also think it depends a bit on the speed of the court. Here everything is much faster, there is no time to put spin on it or hit topspin, so the corners don’t open up. In Paris we had more time to play, with more margin and more topspin. The serve was not as damaging, there were many more rallies and much longer points, and that made the ball bigger. The balls are similar, but here we can do a little more damage because of the speed of the court.”
With that mix of detailed analysis and unwavering ambition, the world number 2 left no doubt about his mentality; in Turin he will not rest on his laurels, nor will he choose one goal over another. The Spaniard was asked whether he would rather win the Davis Cup in Malaga with his country here or next week. The answer was true to character: “Why not both? I guess that’s the question. Why choose one when you can fight for both?” the 22-year-old responded.
“Although there are still many years to go, I will also have many years to play the Davis Cup because it takes place annually. Hopefully I can represent Spain for many more years, but we will try to fight for both this year and every year we have the opportunity.”
With an opening win at this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, Alcaraz will feel more at ease, more comfortable on the surface and, above all, he will feel like his lessons from a tournament he often struggles with are finally starting to pay off.
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