ATP Tour

Alcaraz seizes control of battle for Year-End No. 1 with Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz has taken a firm grip on pole position in his battle for ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours with rival Jannik Sinner.

Entering Monday's Cincinnati Open final, Sinner had an opportunity to continue closing the gap with a victory straight off the back of his win against Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Instead, the Spaniard will enter the US Open with a 1,890-point advantage over Sinner, who retired five games into their highly anticipated match due to an ailment.

PIF ATP Live Race To Turin

That provides no guarantee that Alcaraz will depart New York with the lead in the Live Race. One year ago, Sinner lifted the trophy at the season's final major and Alcaraz lost in the second round, giving the Italian 1,950 more points than his rival at the tournament.

However, Alcaraz is now in good position heading into Flushing Meadows, where three years ago he earned the crown to become the youngest World No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history.

The 22-year-old is trying to claim ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours for the second time, after first achieving it in 2022. Only 10 of the 29 members of the ATP No. 1 Club have claimed the award multiple times.

Sinner will hope to recover quickly for the US Open, where he is the defending champion. Even if Alcaraz reaches the final, the Italian can claw back a big chunk of points — 650 — by successfully defending his trophy. Alcaraz and Sinner have both qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals.

After the two rivals, there is not a lot separating the rest of the ATP Tour's stars in the Live Race. There is just a 1,335-point gap between third-placed Alexander Zverev (4,080 points) and eighth-placed Alex de Minaur (2,745).

Fourth-placed Ben Shelton (3,610) and seventh-placed Jack Draper (2,940) are trying to qualify for the season finale for the first time. Ninth-placed Lorenzo Musetti (2,670 points), who is also trying to make his debut at the year-end championships, is only 75 points behind De Minaur.

The US Open champion will earn 2,000 points, so there is a lot at stake over the coming fortnight. One thing is clear: Alcaraz is in control of the Live Race.