Carlos Alcaraz hits range against Alex de Minaur to kick off Nitto ATP Finals bid | ATP Tour

Nitto ATP Finals

Alcaraz hits De Minaur’s range to launch Nitto ATP Finals bid

Espanyol leads 1-0 in Jimmy Connors group match

November 9, 2025

After enjoying the best season of his career, Carlos Alcaraz started his Nitto ATP Finals campaign in just the right way – with a long-awaited first win.

The top seed ignited his quest for a maiden title on Sunday with a 7-6(5), 6-2 win over Alex De Minaur in the famous season finale. Alcaraz, who lost his previous two openers in Turin to Alexander Zverev (2023) and Casper Ruud (2024), looks determined to rewrite the script, even if he does have to overcome a nerve-wracking first-set test in the process.

The first game will be announced soon! 👌@carlosalcaraz Start his 2025 #NittoATP Finals Defeat De Minaur in straight sets pic.twitter.com/6qqfQMniGY

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2025

“This game is one of our best games on tour, without a doubt,” Alcaraz said. “We are playing against the best players in the world, which shows how difficult and important it is. I have been working hard over the past few years to approach the end of the year with motivation. This year is a little different and I’m proud of it [as] I’m doing the right things to give myself a chance to win this game. “

Alcaraz impressed the crowd inside the Inalpi Arena by leading 4-1, 40/0 in just 25 minutes. However, that advantage quickly evaporated as De Minaur fought back, forcing Alcaraz into a tense tie-break. However, the top seed held firm, recovering from two minor breaks and scoring four straight points in 3/5 to seal the set.

Although Alcaraz hit 21 winners and committed 19 unforced errors in the first set, he remained boldly aggressive in the second. The standout Spaniard once again had a healthy lead, but this time he controlled unforced errors and finished quickly to improve to 5-0 in his Lexus ATP head-to-head series against De Minaur.

“It was a very tough game,” Alcaraz said. “Alex made the most of the ball on this surface, he was super quick and returned the ball very hard. I’m really happy to have come through this very difficult challenge and happy with the way I played. [going into] Next game. “

With the victory in one hour and 40 minutes, Alcaraz also strengthened his bid to claim the ATP year-end No. 1 title awarded by the PIF for the first time since 2022. He now needs another 250 points to beat rival Jannik Sinner in Turin, with each round-robin victory worth 200 points.

Alcaraz will next look for victory on Tuesday when he faces either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the Jimmy Connors bracket. He will have a tour-leading 68 wins and eight trophies in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.