Turin hosts Carlos Alcaraz as the ATP Finals return
Turin welcomes Carlos Alcaraz next Sunday as the ATP Finals resume. The El Palmar native returns from an injury that sidelined him part of the previous season and currently sits second in the ATP Race to Turin. He could add up to 1,500 points to the 8,455 he already holds, aiming to end 2023 with a Masters title on the books. Novak Djokovic arrives with slim odds to finish the year as world number one, needing favorable breaks and relentless effort. Eight players topped the season with strong results, setting the stage for a dramatic year-end showdown in prestigious style.
Raffle and game system
The tournament draw is on the calendar for next Thursday at two times, 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Four pots determine the groupings. The event begins with a round robin, where each player meets the others in their pool. Each group plays three matches, and the top two move on to the semifinals. Djokovic and Alcaraz are seeded in the first pot, which means a clash between them can only happen in the final. In the second pot are Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner; in the third are Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas; and in the fourth are Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune. This format gives Alcaraz a chance to meet another top contender early, adding drama to the opening phase. [citation: tournament seedings and format source]
Alcaraz…so what happens next?
Over the season, the core question is how far the Spaniard can push in Turin and how that momentum shapes the year-end standings. The focus remains on consistent performance, handling pressure moments, and understanding how the top seeds interact through the round robin and knockout rounds. Turin stands as a critical chapter in Alcaraz’s ongoing Masters pursuit, a moment that could influence momentum heading into the off-season. [citation: season overview]
Points distributed by ATP Finals
The ATP Finals use a distinctive scoring framework. Each group-stage win earns 200 points, with semifinal victors collecting an extra 400 points, and the overall champion taking 500 points. A perfect run through the event can yield up to 1,500 points if every match is won. If group-stage results are tied, tiebreakers consider set counts and, if necessary, games won. [citation: ATP Finals scoring]
Where to watch on TV
In Spain, Movistar broadcasts the matches. Group-stage games start at 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. Each day features two matches from every group, with the round-robin phase running through Friday. On Saturday, the semifinals begin at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 p.m. local time. [citation: TV schedule]
Djokovic advances to 40th Masters 1000 in Paris after beating Dimitrov
In Turin, fans expect a strong showing from Djokovic as he manages a heavy schedule while building momentum for the year-end Masters. The campaign features decisive wins alongside tense moments, underscoring the high level of competition at the close of the season. [citation: Djokovic narrative]
Who’s playing in the ATP Finals and how the year is going
The race to Turin centers on the year’s top eight performers, a lineup defined by solid results across the season. Here is a clear, expanded look at each contender’s campaign:
Novak Djokovic, Serbia. The defending champion arrives in Turin after a season marked by few losses. He opened the year by winning the ATP 250 in Adelaide and the Australian Open title. A semifinal setback in Dubai signaled a steady run. A tougher stretch at Monte Carlo ended in the round of 16, and he closed the year with multiple titles, including a dramatic Masters 1000 run and the US Open victory. These results add to a remarkable tally of Masters 1,000 titles and Grand Slams, underscoring the formidable challenge Alcaraz faces in Turin. [citation: Djokovic season highlights]
In the broader picture, each competitor comes to Turin with distinct stories—some riding streaks, others carrying momentum from recent breakthroughs. The ATP Finals has long stood as a turning point, with players leveraging standout performances against elite peers to set the tone for the spring calendar and the next season’s narrative. The 2023 edition keeps that tradition alive, blending top-tier tennis, strategic depth, and the pressure of racing toward the year-end crown. [citation: season overview]