Carlos Alcaraz qualifies for ATP Finals semifinals after de Minaur’s win
Carlos Alcaraz qualified for the ATP Finals semifinals after Alex de Minaur defeated Taylor Fritz. The Spaniard, chasing Year-End No 1 honours, will face Lorenzo Musetti next. De Minaur could also advance if Alcaraz wins, while Fritz is eliminated
Turin: World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz has qualified for the semifinals at the ATP Finals following Alex de Minaur’s 7-6(3), 6-3 victory against Taylor Fritz on Thursday afternoon. With Alcaraz winning two matches, Fritz’s defeat cleared his path to the last-four stage.
The Spaniard won his opening two matches at this year’s prestigious year-end event and will top the Jimmy Connors Group if he defeats Lorenzo Musetti later on Thursday, with de Minaur advancing in second place. If Alcaraz loses to Musetti, he will finish second behind the Italian.
Alcaraz will also be playing for ATP Year-End No 1 honours when he walks onto court in the Inalpi Arena. If the Spaniard captures a tour-leading 70th victory of the season, he will end the year as World No 1 and subsequently end Jannik Sinner’s challenge.
If Alcaraz loses to Musetti tonight, he would face Sinner in the semifinals. If Sinner defeats Alcaraz and then goes on to win the title as the undefeated champion, he would end the year as World No 1.
Alcaraz is making his third appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals, with his previous best result a semifinal run in 2023. The 22-year-old has lifted eight trophies in 2025, including majors at Roland Garros and the US Open. He has also won ATP Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo, Rome and Cincinnati.
De Minaur, who ended the round-robin stage with a 1-2 record, dominated against a nervy Fritz. If Alcaraz beats Musetti later on Thursday, de Minaur will join him in the semifinals. Musetti will qualify with a victory against Alcaraz. Last year’s finalist Fritz also went 1-2 but is out.
