Jannik Sinner’s chance to reclaim the throne slipped away. The Italian steamed through the ATP Finals group stage in Turin, not dropping a single set. He became the first to do that since Roger Federer between 2010 and 2012. Next up, Sinner faces Australian De Minaur in Saturday’s semifinal. But here’s the big news: Carlos Alcaraz was crowned the new No. 1 in the 2025 ATP rankings just before his match against Shelton. The season-long battle ended with the Murcian claiming the crown. Not an easy pill to swallow for Sinner.

“I’m happy for him, but if I told you I was super happy… I’d be telling a lie!“ Sinner said his 6-3, 7-6 win over Ben Shelton. “But he deserves it, he’s had an incredible season: he’s won two Slams, eight tournaments. He’s playing at a very high level, he’s competitive on any surface.”

This year marked the height of their rivalry. They’ve met five times in finals, including three Grand Slams and two Masters 1000s. They even clashed in an exhibition final in Saudi Arabia, where Jannik Sinner won the $6 million prize. Still, the head-to-head favors Alcaraz 10-5, although both have pushed each other to the limit.

“He had the pressure too, he managed it very well, but I’m glad for him. He’s a really good guy, he has a great team around him and he’s earned these achievements,” Sinner added. “For me, this is motivation for next year. If another player were to end up number 1, I’d always choose him, he deserves it.”

Last month at the Paris Masters, the Italian star admitted he thought reaching the Year-End No.1 would be “impossible.” He said, “No, it’s impossible. I mean…honestly, I’m not thinking about this at the moment. It’s going to be a goal for next year. This year, it’s not in my hands. Let’s say it like this.” But then, two things happened that shifted his story.

Carlos Alcaraz’s early loss in Paris opened the door, and Jannik Sinner stormed through it, winning the title and briefly reclaiming No.1 before Turin. A year after becoming Italy’s first ATP Year-End No.1, Sinner looks even sharper in 2025. He’s holding serve at 91.5% and breaking in 32.7% of return games, a jump from 28.3% last year.

Before the tournament, their rankings were refreshed. Sinner was back at No. 2. When asked during the media day who they thought would finish No.1, both players jokingly said, “I was going to say you.” While he might not have ended the year at his desired spot, Sinner is still making big strides in defending his title.

Jannik Sinner marks an impressive run into the semifinals

On Friday, Sinner maintained his flawless run at the ATP Finals, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(3) to end the American’s season and extend his indoor winning streak to 29 matches. Though his serve lacked rhythm at times, the Italian absorbed Shelton’s energetic challenge with patience and precision. The debutant, already eliminated from semifinal contention, competed with freedom, yet Sinner’s composure proved decisive in front of an adoring Turin crowd.

“When you come here and win all three round-robin matches, you have to play at a very high level, which I’ve done,” Sinner said. “Serving very well in important moments has brought me to this point. It was a very special day playing in front of the home crowd, and against Ben it’s always a tough challenge.”

The opening set was all about efficiency. Sinner broke early at 2-1 and again in the final game, while Shelton struggled to capitalize on his single break opportunity midway through. Without surrendering serve, Jannik Sinner sealed the set 6-3. “When he comes up with a huge serve, you cannot do a lot, so you have to accept it. My mental aspect [has been] great until now, so let’s see what’s coming,” he added.

The second set offered greater resistance. Shelton elevated his serving, holding to love three times and saving a match point at 5-4. He even forced Sinner’s first tiebreak at the ATP Finals in two years. But the top Italian held firm, closing it out 7-3 to complete a perfect group stage.

Now, having already secured first place in the Bjorn Borg Group, Sinner will face Alex de Minaur on Saturday. Could this mark another move into the final for the second time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!