Tennis

ATP Finals to Remain in Italy Until 2030, Location Under EvaluationThe ATP Finals, the season-ending tournament for the top eight players on the men's tennis tour, will continue to be held in Italy through 2030, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi announced on Sunday. However, the exact location of the tournament beyond 2025 is still under evaluation.The current contract with Turin, which has hosted the event since 2021, expires next year. Gaudenzi confirmed that the tournament will remain in Italy for another five years, but did not specify whether it would stay in Turin or move to Milan.Milan is constructing a new arena for ice hockey at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, which could potentially host the ATP Finals. The arena is expected to have a capacity of over 16,000 for tennis, providing 4,000 more seats than the Inalpi arena in Turin."The location options beyond 2025 are under evaluation, with further updates to be provided in due course," the ATP said in a statement.The ATP Finals were previously held in London for 12 years before moving to Turin. The tournament has been a success in Italy, with strong attendance and positive feedback from players and fans.The decision to keep the ATP Finals in Italy is a testament to the country's strong tennis tradition and its commitment to hosting major sporting events. Italy has produced numerous top tennis players over the years, including Jannik Sinner, who won the ATP Finals this year.The ATP Finals are one of the most prestigious events on the tennis calendar, and their continued presence in Italy is a major boost for the sport in the country. The tournament provides a platform for Italian players to compete against the world's best and inspire future generations of tennis enthusiasts.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, overcame illness and a determined Andrey Rublev to secure his first victory at the Nitto ATP Finals on Wednesday. Despite battling chest tightness and breathing issues, Alcaraz displayed resilience and tactical prowess to defeat Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (8) in one hour and 35 minutes.Alcaraz, who had lost his opening match to Casper Ruud, admitted to being surprised by his performance. "I was really calm and focused on my game," he said. "I tried to forget about my illness and execute my tactics effectively."Rublev, the No. 8 seed, struggled to match Alcaraz's intensity and made several unforced errors. The Spaniard broke Rublev's serve twice in the first set and held his own serve comfortably.The second set was a closer affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreaker. Alcaraz seized the initiative early on, but Rublev fought back to level the score at 4-4. However, Alcaraz's defense-to-offense transitions proved too strong for Rublev, and he eventually sealed the victory with a forehand winner.Alcaraz's victory keeps his hopes of reaching the semifinals alive. He will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev in his final round-robin match, with the winner advancing to the last four.Despite his recent struggles, Alcaraz remains a formidable opponent. His ability to adapt his game and overcome adversity is a testament to his talent and determination. With his illness seemingly behind him, Alcaraz will be confident of making a deep run in Turin.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, made a triumphant start to his 2024 Nitto ATP Finals campaign, defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) in Turin, Italy.Sinner, who narrowly missed out on the title in 2023, has been in scintillating form this season, winning the Cincinnati Open, US Open, Six Kings exhibition, and Rolex Shanghai Masters. His victory over De Minaur, who was making his ATP Finals debut, puts him in a strong position to qualify for the semifinals.The Italian's dominance was evident from the outset, as he recovered from an early break deficit to win five of the next six games and take the opening set. The second set was briefly interrupted by a medical emergency in the crowd, but Sinner remained unfazed, breaking De Minaur in the crucial game and sealing the match with an ace.Sinner's victory extends his unbeaten streak against De Minaur to seven matches. The Australian, who became the first Australian man to reach the ATP Finals in 20 years, has never managed to overcome the Italian's formidable game.Sinner's triumph in Turin is a testament to his exceptional form and unwavering determination. Having already secured the ATP Year-End No. 1 ranking, he is now eyeing his first ATP Finals title. His next match will be crucial in determining his chances of reaching the semifinals.

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from ATP Finals Due to InjuryNovak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals in Turin due to a persistent injury. The Serbian star had qualified for the season-ending tournament but has decided to prioritize his recovery.Djokovic's withdrawal leaves eight players competing for the title: Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, and Andrey Rublev.Djokovic's absence is a significant blow to the tournament, as he is a former five-time champion and one of the most decorated players in ATP history. However, the field remains stacked with talent, and the competition is expected to be fierce.Ruud, de Minaur, and Rublev will now compete for the final three spots in Turin. Potential replacements for Djokovic include Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas.The ATP Finals will begin on Sunday, November 10th, and will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel.

Jannik Sinner's triumphant return to Italy was a testament to his meteoric rise in the tennis world. As the world No. 1 arrived in Turin for the Nitto ATP Finals, he was greeted by a throng of ecstatic fans outside his hotel. Their enthusiastic chants and homemade signs reflected the "Sinner Mania" that has gripped Italy throughout his stellar 2024 season.Sinner's global prominence has soared since his Australian Open victory, which drew praise from the Pope. He has been celebrated by Gucci in London and recognized as one of the most marketable athletes by SportsPro. However, for the Italian public, this was their first opportunity to witness their national hero compete on home soil since his ascent to the top.Despite physical setbacks, including a hip injury and a virus, Sinner has dominated the season with a remarkable 65-6 record. Guided by coaches Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, he has captured two Grand Slam titles and three Masters 1000 titles. His consistent performances have secured him the year-end world No. 1 ranking.Sinner's qualification for the ATP Finals in August marked his return to Turin, where he reached the final last year. While he enjoys the support of his home crowd, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, and Andrey Rublev are vying for the remaining two spots in the season-ending event.Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic's participation in Turin remains uncertain. Despite mathematical possibilities, Djokovic has not played since the Six Kings Slam exhibition event and has been spotted vacationing and attending tennis matches in Serbia.Sinner's triumphant homecoming underscores his status as a global tennis icon and a source of national pride for Italy. As he prepares to compete in front of his home crowd, the anticipation and excitement surrounding his performance are palpable.