Carlos alcaraz the first stages of the nitto ATP Finals return: ‘The game can change at any time’ | ATP Tour

Nitto atp finals

Alcaraz Zama Nitto ATP Finals stages return: ‘The match can change at any time’

The Spaniard is 2-0 in the Jimmy Conners Group in Turin

November 11, 2025

For the first time in three appearances at the Nitto ATP Finals, Carlos Alcaraz came back to win from the bottom. He did this regularly against Taylor Fritz on demand, for almost three hours testing his skills and mental toughness. The victory leaves the Spaniard on the edge of the semi-finals, and mathmatiance, now, is now short of ending the year as No. 1 in the PIF atp rankings.

The game offered several lessons, but one above all: Alcaraz learned to dig deep in Turin. “The game of tennis can change at any time,” explained the 22-year-old. “When we are in court, we don’t know what will happen; we are stuck now

The turning point, according to the Spaniard, was a 14-minute game (2-3 in the second period) where he was able to hold and serve money before asking. “That’s when the game changed,” he admitted.

As well as responding to Win, Alcaraz provided a detailed analysis of some of the technical factors that defined the merger. Among them was his backhand down the lane, a shot he used frequently during his matches in Turin. He explained: “It’s something we’ve been focusing on a lot.

“It’s always not to think often and hit illegal courts but to do it sometimes when the opponent doesn’t expect. That’s where I work a lot, and I think it pays off in this tournament.”

It was his return to the line that allowed him to open the court against Fritz who was very strong from the base. But Alcaraz also realized that there were things he could do better, especially in his field. He says: “I don’t feel as comfortable as in one day with Alex, without a doubt,” he admitted.

“The service is the most important weapon. It gives you a lot of confidence from the base, even if it’s not a good percentage, but that’s where you can improve every game, but it’s something we have to improve with every game,” he said.

Physical exercise was also seen. “It was a very demanding game, physically and mentally,” he admitted. “To sit tight for three hours, trying not to sit down, to prevent your bad thoughts from falling into the good, is really wanted.”

He explained that his team is now completely focused on his return to the last team game. “Recovering is difficult, but we have a day to save. We will try to do everything right, in millimetres, to be in good shape for the last game, which is very important.”

The FRITZ win not only means that Alcaraz has rallied his team, but it also leaves him one step away from finishing the year as the No. 1 for the second time in his career. However, the Spaniard does not want any additional pressure. He says: “It’s really amazing and it’s a clear goal I’ve had since the beginning of the year.

“But we try not to think too much about number one because it can affect you if you put too much importance on it. However, it is appropriate to focus on this competition. However, it is always focused on this competition. That,” he said.

With two wins in Turin under his belt and, above all, feeling that he is competitively mature, Alcaraz is approaching the bottom of the group stage in the mix. He has learned to dig his heels in, he has learned to bide his time, and, above all, he has shown that he has the color needed to turn things around – even in emotional situations.

“Today I showed that I can hang in there even when I’m not doing well,” he concluded. “That gives me a lot of confidence going forward.”