Carlos Alcaraz faces a new problem just hours before the ATP Finals, putting his chances at risk.
Fans are getting excited for the ATP Finals this weekend, but Carlos Alcaraz has already hit a bump in the road after falling ill. The top eight male players in the world will compete in Turin, with Alexander Zverev as the top seed and world No. 1. Alcaraz is eager to spoil Zverev’s plans, but the Spanish star had to stop training early yesterday because he wasn’t feeling well—a tough break after a challenging year on tour.
In 2026, Alcaraz has shown amazing strength. He took four months off earlier this year after a serious wrist injury but bounced back to reach the US Open quarter-finals, then went on to win the Japan Open and the Paris Masters. Now, he wants to keep that momentum going at the ATP Finals, despite this latest setback.
Alcaraz shared, “I couldn’t even eat breakfast because my stomach was upset. Having to stop practice early, especially on center court with a big crowd, was disappointing. But I’m feeling better and staying careful, even if I still eat things I probably shouldn’t!”
Even though Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the tour in recent years, Alcaraz has never won the ATP Finals in his four previous tries. It’s one of the few big trophies left for him to grab.
“Every year I hope this will be my year,” he said. “This time, I feel ready, especially mentally. I’m fresh and excited to face whatever comes my way. Honestly, I can’t wait to play.”
Alcaraz won’t have an easy path. Injuries to him and Sinner, along with Zverev’s steady play this year, have helped Zverev reach the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. Alcaraz is the second seed in Group B with Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, and Francis Tiafoe, while Zverev faces Ben Shelton, Arthur Fils, and Rafael Jodar in Group A.
The top two players from each group will move on to the knockout stage, where the group winners play the runners-up from the other group, leading to the final. If both Alcaraz and Zverev win their groups and semis, they could meet in the final—but Zverev isn’t thinking that far ahead yet.
“I don’t want to disrespect anyone,” Zverev said. “I’m focusing on the three young players in my group because they all know how to play well, or they wouldn’t be here. I’ll think about Carlos later in the week.”
Unlike Alcaraz, Zverev has already won the ATP Finals twice, in 2018 and 2021, and his powerful hard-court game suits Turin’s conditions well.
Could there be a surprise? Some players might shake things up. Rafael Jodar is the fastest player ever to reach the world top ten, doing it less than a year after his debut at the Australian Open. The 20-year-old looks ready to make an impact if he keeps playing this well.
Jodar has earned over $3.3 million so far this season and could double that by winning every match in Turin, where the prize for an undefeated champion is over $5 million.
“For me, just being here in my first year out on tour was a goal,” Jodar said. “I worked hard to improve and got enough points to be here. It’s an honor to share this group with the best players in the world. I’m really happy and enjoying my first time in Turin.”
Ben Shelton, who lost to Zverev in the US Open final, is also eager to make a mark, though he hasn’t won an ATP Finals match yet.
“I had some close matches last year,” Shelton said. “It’s a real honor to be here and get to compete with the best players in the world.”
Here’s how the groups look:
John McEnroe Group (A):
– Alexander Zverev (1)
– Ben Shelton (3)
– Arthur Fils (6)
– Rafael Jodar (8)
Ivan Lendl Group (B):
– Carlos Alcaraz (2)
– Daniil Medvedev (4)
– Flavio Cobolli (5)
– Francis Tiafoe (7)
The prize money is huge:
– Undefeated Champion: $5,171,000
– Final Win: $2,412,000
– Semi-Final Win: $1,206,000
– Each Round-Robin Win: $405,000
– Participation Fee: $338,000
It’s shaping up to be an exciting week in Turin with plenty of talent and surprises on the menu!