After weeks of waiting and going toe to toe, Carlos Alcaraz finally did it! On Friday, the Spaniard was crowned Year-End No. 1 at the ATP Finals. He first grabbed the top spot after winning his second US Open against Jannik Sinner in September. Although he briefly lost the ranking before the Finals in Turin, when Sinner claimed the Paris Masters, Carlos struck back. His win over Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday sealed the deal. It’s his second time finishing as Year-End No. 1, and the excitement around him is electric.

Following the ceremony at the Inalpi Arena, Rennae Stubbs, who coached Serena Williams during the 2022 US Open, shared a heartfelt message on X. “Congrats to @carlosalcaraz on achieving the year end world #1 ranking. Once again an extraordinary year from truly one of the nicest young men you could ever meet.” And she’s right!

Carlos Alcaraz began the season ranked No. 3. The only Grand Slam where he didn’t reach the final was the Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic stopped him in the quarterfinals. But the Spaniard came roaring back, capturing titles at Roland Garros and the US Open. He also lifted three Masters 1000 trophies in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati. Eight titles in total, and he’s already chasing his ninth.

Even Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, sent a classy message of support after the ranking news broke. “Big congrats to Carlos Alcaraz and your entire team. An amazing effort,” he wrote on his Instagram story. His student has been Alcaraz’s fiercest rival this season, and the rivalry has pushed both to new heights.

Now, they’re back at it in Turin. Sinner won’t make it easy. He’s the home favorite and the defending champion. He was right in the Year-End No. 1 race before Alcaraz clinched it with his third group-stage win. This time, the Italian has his eyes firmly on the trophy. Even if the ranking slipped away, the title would be sweet revenge. Although right now, he’s still glad for his rival.

Sinner’s thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz taking Year-End No.1

After the news broke and Alcaraz was crowned the new No. 1 in the 2025 ATP rankings following his straight-sets win over Ben Shelton, the spotlight turned quickly to him. But just after his own 6-3, 7-6 victory over Shelton, the Italian shared an honest reaction.

“I’m happy for him, but if I told you I was super happy… I’d be telling a lie!” he said. “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 season has been the peak of their rivalry. They’ve met five times in finals, including three Grand Slams and two Masters 1000s. Even their exhibition in Saudi Arabia turned competitive, with Sinner winning the title and a $6 million prize. Still, Carlos Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10-5, though each contest has pushed them both to the edge. They keep matching each other’s level, turning every meeting into a test of nerve and intensity.

Now they’re both into the semifinals. Sinner faces Alex de Minaur on Saturday, while Alcaraz awaits the winner between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime. If both advance, we’ll get their sixth final of the season. What do you think? Will we see them battle it out for the final title?