Jannik Sinner created history on Sunday by successfully defending the ATP Finals title with a straight-set win over arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz. Although the victory was monumental for Sinner, he still took a moment to praise Alcaraz, congratulating him on finishing the season as World No. 1 and offering a heartfelt remark about him after the match.
Jannik Sinner Speaks Candidly About Carlos Alcaraz After Historic ATP Finals Title Defence
The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry has indeed ruled the 2025 season, with both sharing 14 titles between them, including all four Grand Slams. Thanks to their dominant performance, the duo easily qualified for the sport’s most prestigious indoor tournament, which also marked the end of the year.
Alcaraz dropped only one set on his way to the final, while Sinner arrived without losing a single one and carried that momentum into his clash with an opponent who has troubled him in most of their previous meetings.
From the outset, the Italian looked in control. Although the opening set was tight, his pace and precision gradually broke through, allowing him to close out a 7-6(4), 7-5 victory in two hours and 15 minutes and successfully defend the season-ending crown.
The World No. 2 then became a part of a well-deserved victory speech, but he also took a moment to put the spotlight on the Spaniard. Sinner praised Alcaraz for an outstanding season, describing his World No. 1 finish as well-deserved and adding a few genuinely heartfelt words in his honor.
“I am not ready yet to speak in Spanish, but give me still some time. Carlos amazing season, what you are doing for the whole team, a lot of work, a lot of great memories you’ve done again for your career, well deserved for the number one. We haven’t spoken yet, but I’m extremely happy if it’s another player other than me; I would always choose you. You really deserve it, you are definitely a player I look up to,” he said.
“If it’s another player other than me, I would always choose you” 🥹
Jannik Sinner congratulates Alcaraz on his year-end No. 1 ranking.#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/RUcrQ5hYsH
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 16, 2025
Sinner told Alcaraz that he inspires him and brings vital motivation to every practice. He praised Alcaraz’s energy, wished him luck for his remaining tournament, and expressed his desire for more great battles between them next year.
“A lot of motivation, I need this every practice session with a big purpose. Fans here are very happy to see you play. You are the most energetic player on tour, so keep going. I also wish you the best of luck. I know you have one more tournament to go. Best of luck with that after well deserved rest for you too, hope to see you again next year with hopefully, great battles ahead of us. Thank you so much and congrats to your whole team,” he added.
Sinner closed out the season with a commanding 58-6 record, capturing titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the Nitto ATP Finals, Paris, Beijing, and Vienna. The victory also stretched his unbeaten run on indoor hard courts to an imposing 32 matches.
