Nitto ATP Finals
Sinner, Zverev, Alcaraz & co. grace the theatre, aiming to convey the curtain down in Turin
Eight stars answered questions at Carignano Theatre on Thursday
November 07, 2024
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz share a joke on stage in Turin.
By Sam Jacot
After a hard-fought season, involving twists and turns, the Nitto ATP Finals commences on Sunday in Turin, the place the most effective eight gamers this season will battle it out to finish the season as the final word champion.
Earlier than the intense enterprise commences, the gamers swapped their racquets for the blue carpet on Thursday night. The eight stars – Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev – signed autographs earlier than they took to stage on the grand Carignano Theatre in entrance of an viewers of younger followers, answering questions on their possibilities in Turin, their seasons and way more.
“It is vitally particular,” Sinner opened to cheers when requested about enjoying at residence in Turin. “I missed Rome this yr which was powerful mentally for me. I’m very joyful to be again right here. Final yr was an incredible occasion and an incredible environment for everybody. I hope it is going to be an incredible occasion.”
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Sinner, who acquired raucous cheers from the viewers on the theatre, arrives in Turin because the World No. 1, having lifted majors on the Australian Open and US Open in 2024. Final yr, the 23-year-old lit up the Inalpi Enviornment together with his swashbuckling play, however fell one match in need of the title, dropping to Novak Djokovic within the last.
In search of the successful feeling this yr, Sinner faces stiff competitors from World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who received the yr’s different majors at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“After I smile on court docket I present my greatest tennis, my greatest pictures. I attempt to play stable however aggressively and must do it completely if I’m to elevate the trophy,” Alcaraz mentioned on stage when analysing his title possibilities. “I come right here with the aim to win. I need to put this trophy subsequent to the others and it’s a good aim. I’m enjoying towards the most effective gamers on this planet, so I must play my greatest.”
Jannik Sinner/Carlos Alcaraz” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/photographs/information/2024/11/07/22/24/sin-alcaraz-turin-2024-media-day.jpg” model=”width: 100%;”>
Photograph Credit score: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alcaraz and Sinner is not going to meet within the Spherical Robin stage, having been drawn in separate teams on Thursday. One man Alcaraz will face within the group is two-time champion Alexander Zverev.
The German received the title in London in 2018 after which in 2021, after the occasion moved to Turin, grew to become the primary year-end champion within the Italian metropolis. Zverev, who clinched the ATP Masters 1000 crown in Rome earlier this yr, has fond reminiscences enjoying in Italy.
“For me, Italy is a rustic of firsts,” Zverev mentioned on stage. “I received my first Masters 1000 right here in Rome after which I received my first Masters again after harm this yr in Rome. I received the primary ever yr right here in Turin, so there are loads of particular reminiscences that join me to Italy. I’m a bit on the market and I believe the Italian individuals are additionally a bit [out there], so it’s becoming. I actually love the environment the Italians give.”
Alongside Zverev, Medvedev has change into a part of the furnishings in Turin. The 28-year-old is about to make his sixth consecutive look on the occasion, having received in 2020. A constant member of the Prime 8, Medvedev opened up on how he has adjusted his sport throughout the years.
“I believe I’ve modified my model. After I was very younger I used to be tremendous aggressive, once I was 19 or 20. Then I modified again to my roots,” Medvedev mentioned. “After I was younger, I used to hit lobs, and now I’m type of again to it. I simply attempt to do no matter works on court docket and attempt to win.”
Medvedev’s philosophy of ‘win in any respect prices’ is one all eight will take with them after they step onto court docket from Sunday. With lots on the road, the speaking is now over and the hunt to win in Turin is on.
