Match Response
Alcaraz breaks spell in Turin: ‘I’ve lastly began with a win’
Having misplaced his opening match in earlier years, the Spaniard cleared the primary hurdle towards De Minaur
November 09, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz in motion on the Nitto ATP Finals on Sunday.
By ATPTour.com/es Employees
It has taken Carlos Alcaraz three years to kick off with a win on the Nitto ATP Finals. Three years of studying, of getting used to a unique format, and of understanding that there isn’t a room for gradual begins in Turin.
On Sunday, when he defeated Alex de Minaur in his opening match, the Spaniard lastly made the beginning he wished within the occasion that brings collectively the perfect eight gamers of the season.
“Opening the match with a win is at all times good, it’s at all times good. It may actually offer you a big confidence enhance for the following matches,” defined the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Alcaraz admitted to a couple nerves in the beginning – the strain of match one on the Nitto ATP Finals is at all times there – however he was pleased to have began with victory at an occasion the place the finer particulars could make all of the distinction. “Finally, when you win a match right here it’s since you’ve performed rather well, as a result of your stage could be very excessive,” stated the 22-year-old.
“And that, by way of sending a message to the opposite gamers and even to your self, could be very constructive. I’ve been taking part in right here for 3 years and it’s the primary time I’ve received the primary match, so I’m happy with that. I’ll attempt to preserve bettering on the small issues I didn’t do effectively right this moment. I’m feeling actually motivated for the following matches.”
In 2023, the 12 months of his debut on the match, Alcaraz misplaced his first conflict to Alexander Zverev. Final 12 months, the end result was the identical when he confronted Casper Ruud within the first match. Now, in 2025, the Spaniard has come by a troublesome opener towards De Minaur, a win he celebrated by lifting his arms to the sky. He lastly has his excellent begin on the season finale.
Alcaraz’s evaluation of the encounter additionally touched on some technical factors. In Turin, the place the pace of the indoor floor is important, he in contrast the situations to these of Paris, his final match. “I additionally suppose it relies upon a bit on the pace of the court docket. Right here, every thing’s a lot sooner, there’s no time to place spin on it or to hit topspin, so the angles don’t open up. In Paris we had extra time to play, with extra margin and extra topspin. The serve wasn’t as damaging, there have been much more rallies and for much longer factors, and that made the ball larger. The balls are related, however right here we will do some extra injury due to the pace of the court docket.”
With that mix of detailed evaluation and loyal ambition, the World No. 2 left little question about his mentality; in Turin, he won’t relaxation on his laurels, and nor will he be selecting one purpose over one other. The Spaniard was requested if he would slightly win right here or on the Davis Cup subsequent week in Malaga along with his nation. The reply was true to character: “Why not each? I feel that’s the query. Why select one when you possibly can struggle for each?” responded the 22-year-old.
“Though there are various years left, I’ll even have a few years to play the Davis Cup, as a result of it’s annual. Hopefully I can symbolize Spain for a few years to come back, however we’ll attempt to struggle for each this 12 months, and yearly that we’ve got the possibility.”
With a gap win at this 12 months’s Nitto ATP Finals, Alcaraz will probably be feeling extra settled, extra comfy on the floor and, above all, he’ll really feel his learnings from a match he has typically struggled at are lastly beginning to pay dividends.
