Sinner, Zverev, Alcaraz & co. grace the theatre, aiming to bring the curtain down in Turin

After a hard-fought season, involving twists and turns, the Nitto ATP Finals commences on Sunday in Turin, where the best eight players this season will battle it out to end the season as the ultimate champion.

Before the serious business commences, the players swapped their racquets for the blue carpet on Thursday evening. The eight stars – Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev – signed autographs before they took to stage at the grand Carignano Theatre in front of an audience of young fans, answering questions on their chances in Turin, their seasons and much more.

“It is very special,” Sinner opened to cheers when asked about playing at home in Turin. “I missed Rome this year which was tough mentally for me. I am very happy to be back here. Last year was a great event and a great atmosphere for everyone. I hope it will be a great event.”

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Sinner, who received raucous cheers from the audience at the theatre, arrives in Turin as the World No. 1, having lifted majors at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024. Last year, the 23-year-old lit up the Inalpi Arena with his swashbuckling play, but fell one match short of the title, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final.

Seeking the winning feeling this year, Sinner faces stiff competition from World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who won the year’s other majors at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“When I smile on court I show my best tennis, my best shots. I try to play solid but aggressively and need to do it perfectly if I am to lift the trophy,” Alcaraz said on stage when analysing his title chances. “I come here with the goal to win. I want to put this trophy next to the others and it is a good goal. I am playing against the best players in the world, so I need to play my best.”

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Alcaraz and Sinner will not meet in the Round Robin stage, having been drawn in separate groups on Thursday. One man Alcaraz will face in the group is two-time champion Alexander Zverev.

The German won the title in London in 2018 and then in 2021, after the event moved to Turin, became the first year-end champion in the Italian city. Zverev, who clinched the ATP Masters 1000 crown in Rome earlier this year, has fond memories playing in Italy.

“For me, Italy is a country of firsts,” Zverev said on stage. “I won my first Masters 1000 here in Rome and then I won my first Masters back after injury this year in Rome. I won the first ever year here in Turin, so there are a lot of special memories that connect me to Italy. I am a bit out there and I think the Italian people are also a bit [out there], so it is fitting. I really love the atmosphere the Italians give.”

Alongside Zverev, Medvedev has become part of the furniture in Turin. The 28-year-old is set to make his sixth consecutive appearance at the event, having won in 2020. A consistent member of the Top 8, Medvedev opened up on how he has adjusted his game during the years.

“I think I have changed my style. When I was very young I was super aggressive, when I was 19 or 20. Then I changed back to my roots,” Medvedev said. “When I was young, I used to hit lobs, and now I am kind of back to it. I just try to do whatever works on court and try to win.”

Medvedev’s philosophy of 'win at all costs' is one all eight will take with them when they step onto court from Sunday. With a lot on the line, the talking is now over and the quest to win in Turin is on.

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