Carlos Alcaraz says he is “motivated” heading into the ATP Finals, taking a step closer to year-end world number one with a victory over Alex De Minaur.
The 22-year-old Spaniard won 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 in one hour and 40 minutes in their first group match in Turin, Italy.
Alcaraz is competing in the end-of-season tournament for the third time, but has never been to the finals before.
He withdrew due to injury in 2022, lost in the semifinals on his debut a year later, and failed to advance from the group last year.
Alcaraz is battling for the top ranking with rival Jannik Sinner, with the Italian returning to the top after winning the Paris Masters last week.
“I’ve been trying for the past three years to approach the end of the year with energy and motivation. This year is a little different,” Alcaraz said.
“I’m very proud of what I did with the motivation I came in here.
“I’m really excited and looking forward to playing great tennis and giving myself a chance to win this match.”
