The win in Paris marked a significant milestone for the seven-time Grand Slam champion, securing his first 1000-level title in the French capital. Alcaraz enters the Turin tournament on a nine-match winning streak and has claimed five titles throughout the current season, yet he remains cautious about his prospects in a highly competitive field. With defending champion Jannik Sinner absent, Alcaraz will enter the event as the second seed, positioned just behind world number one
Focusing on Form Over Expectations
Addressing the media following his success in Paris, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his recent level of play, particularly after overcoming a wrist injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. He noted that the last two weeks have represented his best tennis since his return to the tour. Despite the momentum, he dismissed the notion that he should be considered the player to beat, stating that such perceptions are ultimately out of his control.
The Spaniard emphasized that he prefers to concentrate on his own preparation rather than engaging with pre-tournament predictions. While acknowledging his desire to secure a maiden ATP Finals crown—having fallen to Sinner in last year's final—Alcaraz maintained a grounded outlook. He noted that he is committed to working hard and replicating the processes that have brought him success recently, regardless of whether he is viewed as the favourite by the public or the media.
Context Heading Into Turin
The field in Turin will be missing the reigning champion, Sinner, which shifts the spotlight onto the remaining top seeds. Alexander Zverev, currently ranked world number one, heads into the event following a challenging second-round exit in Paris, a result that has prompted questions regarding his form ahead of his bid for a third title at the season-ender. For Alcaraz, the tournament represents a major goal, though he remains realistic about the difficulty of the challenge ahead. Having already completed a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open victory earlier this year, the Spaniard is eager to add the season-ending title to his collection, though he admits he is taking it one match at a time.
