ATP Finals Draw Winners & Losers: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner avoid clash

Oli Dickson Jefford 07 Nov 2024 1:40 PM

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The ATP Finals draw is out, and some intriguing scenarios have been thrown up ahead of action in Turin.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – the two reigning Grand Slam champions – have managed to avoid playing each other in the group stage, with the semi-finals the earliest the two can meet.

However, there is plenty of action before then, with all eight players contesting three group matches.

Here, we look at who may be happy with their draw – and who may be feeling less confident.

Ilie Nastase Group

Players: (1) Jannik Sinner, (4) Daniil Medvedev, (5) Taylor Fritz, (7) Alex de Minaur

Jannik Sinner – Winner: Crucially, Sinner has been able to avoid Alcaraz, which is naturally a huge advantage for him – but the rest of his draw is also kind. He’s 7-0 versus de Minaur, beat Fritz in the US Open final, and has won seven of his last eight matches versus Medvedev. His mantle as the favourite has only been solidified.

Daniil Medvedev – Winner: Drawing Sinner is not ideal for 2020 ATP Finals champion Medvedev after a slightly underwhelming season, though his indoor prowess is undeniable. He leads the head-to-head against both Fritz and de Minaur, which should give him some confidence.

Taylor Fritz – Winner & Loser: Fritz perhaps has the most interesting draw of any player in this event. On the one hand, he’s managed to avoid the Zverev-Alcaraz group, and both Medvedev and de Minaur are a little out of form. But, he is behind in the head-to-head against both men – and then there’s a match against Sinner to contend with as well.

Alex de Minaur – Loser: The Australian was likely to face a tough group due to his seeding, but remaining winless in seven matches against Sinner does not bode well for his chances. He also trails Medvedev in their rivalry, while Fritz approaches this event in more sustained form than he does.

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John Newcombe Group

Players: (2) Alexander Zverev, (3) Carlos Alcaraz, (6) Casper Ruud, (8) Andrey Rublev

Alexander Zverev – Winner: Drawing Alcaraz is not ideal for the world No 2, who is looking for a third ATP Finals title. However, the German is arguably a better indoor player than Alcaraz at this point in their respective careers, and will be a significant favourite to defeat Ruud and Rublev.

Carlos Alcaraz – Winner: Facing Zverev on an indoor court will be no easy task for Alcaraz, who made the semi-final on his event debut in 2023. He has managed to avoid key rival Sinner, though, and will fancy his chances elsewhere in this group.

Casper Ruud – Loser: Ruud approaches this event having not reached a semi-final since Roland Garros, and being in the same group as two of the three leading title contenders hardly helps his chances. His match against Rublev will likely be key for the 2022 runner-up to have any chance of progression.

Andrey Rublev – Loser: Similarly to Ruud, Rublev is not approaching this tournament with a great deal of confidence following an erratic year. It is tricky to see how much damage he can do versus Alcaraz or Zverev if they are near their best.