TURIN, Italy — Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from claiming number one in the year-end rankings.
Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-3 at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and needs a win in the final group match against Lorenzo Musetti or in the final semi-final to finish No. 1 for the second time in his career.
Alcaraz improved to 2-0 in the final match of the season between the top eight players and could clinch a spot in the semi-finals if Alex de Minaur defeats Musetti.
If Alcaraz does not win his next match and Jannik Sinner defends his title undefeated, Sinner will finish in first place.
Alcaraz produced 47 winners to Fritz’s 38 and managed to claw his way back from a set down despite hitting 14 aces from his American opponent.
Alcaraz currently sits atop the Jimmy Connors Group ahead of Fritz, who is 1-1. De Minaur and Musetti both have 0 wins and 1 loss.
The top two from each group advance to the semifinals.
Sinner leads the group after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in Monday’s opening match.
