Carlos Alcaraz secured the year-end world No. 1 tennis ranking for the second time, following a dominant victory that also propelled him into the semifinals of the ATP Finals in Turin.
The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the world No. 9, in straight sets on Thursday. Alcaraz won 6-4, 6-1 in a match lasting one hour and 24 minutes.
This third consecutive group stage win confirmed Alcaraz’s top spot in the “Jimmy Connors” group. The victory ensures he will finish the year ranked No. 1 globally, surpassing Italian rival Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz previously achieved the year-end No. 1 ranking in 2022. This season, he has claimed eight trophies, including major titles at Roland Garros and the U.S. Open.
Musetti was eliminated from the tournament following his defeat.
In another Thursday match, Australia’s Alex De Minaur, ranked seventh, advanced to the semifinals. He defeated American Taylor Fritz, ranked sixth, by scores of 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
De Minaur’s match lasted one hour and 35 minutes. He is set to face Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, as Sinner had already secured first place in the “Björn Borg” group.
Alcaraz awaits the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal match. He will play either Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ranked third, or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked eighth.