The world’s top two are preparing together for the ATP Finals in front of fans. The Italian confirms his good form
The first face-off, ahead of what everyone is predicting will happen in the final act of the ATP Finals, when their duel will decide not only the winner of the tournament but also the top spot in the rankings at the end of the season. Sinner and Alcaraz face each other, but this time only in training: and in any case, it is already an event that the world number one and number two share the same court for a sparring session.
The first round takes place on the court set up in the foyer of the Inalpi Arena, with no spectators except journalists and workers who are finishing setting up the lounge. Alcaraz arrives punctually at 11 a.m., chatting amiably with Darren Cahill, his rival’s Australian coach, while Sinner appears a few minutes later. Greetings and hugs between the teams, a sign of respect that goes beyond rivalry, and a joke about golf, one of their favorite pastimes, when Jannik laughs and says he will change his swing from right-handed to left-handed, and Ferrero, Carlos’ coach, replies that then they will have to start fearing him with a golf club too. After a few low-intensity exchanges, the ball speed increases and, in a largely sterile space, the sound of the balls hitting the court is impressive. The session unfolds like a prolonged warm-up: first, they both hit forehands, then they try backhand diagonals, and finally they alternate at the net, always under the watchful eye of their coaches, who offer advice here and there. The most entertaining moment comes when Sinner wins the slice backhand duel, a shot that on paper favors the Spaniard, and even elicits a good-natured cheer from Darren Cahill.
It’s getting serious— After an hour on the practice court, the circuit’s dominant players move to Center Court for the high noon showdown (more like low noon, perhaps): waiting for them are 3-4,000 spectators, mostly schoolchildren, who, with a €35 ticket, can still enjoy watching many of their favorite champions, given that Auger-Aliassime and Shelton have already trained and Zverev and de Minaur will do so later. A few exchanges to warm up and get back into the rhythm, and Sinner and Alcaraz are ready to play a real set. Of course, the pathos of competitive tension is missing, but the two still give it their all. Jannik, once again, proves to be perfectly at ease on the fast Turin court where he triumphed a year ago, and hits every shot with impressive speed that often throws the Spaniard off balance. With a firm grip on the game, the world number one can even afford to play some delightful drop shots that bring the crowd to their feet. The set ends 6-3 for the Italian, but as there is still some time left, the two decide to play a tie-break, which this time smiles (7-3) on Alcaraz, who has managed to get back on track. In the end, a heartfelt embrace on the court seals a friendship untainted by rivalry: the appointment is for next Sunday. The final that the whole world is waiting for.
