Carlos Alcaraz hit by fresh issue hours before ATP Finals that puts his chances in doubt
Anticipation is building for the ATP Finals showdown this weekend, but Carlos Alcaraz has already had his first setback after being hit with illness.
The world’s eight-best male players go head-to-head in Turin this weekend, with Alexander Zverev taking top seed as world No. 1, but Alcaraz is looking to spoil his party.
However, the Spaniard had to cut short a training session yesterday with illness - another bump in the road of a tricky year on the tour.
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Carlos Alcaraz ends pre-ATP Finals training early after illness
2026 has been another year in which Carlos Alcaraz has shown his immense fortitude; previously, the Spaniard took four months out after suffering a serious wrist injury in the spring.
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However, since returning, the world No. 2 reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, before winning the Japan Open in Tokyo and the Paris Masters hard-court 1000 event.
He’s now looking to continue that run at the ATP Finals in Turin, but suffered a setback when training on Friday.
"I didn't even have breakfast this morning because I couldn't. I woke up with my stomach feeling a bit upset," Alcaraz said before the event.
"Having to stop practice early left a bitter taste, especially as it was on centre court with a lot of people watching.
“But I'm feeling better and better. We're being careful, but I still eat things I shouldn't," he added.
Remarkably, for a player who, along with Jannik Sinner, has dominated the ATP Tour over the last few years, Alcaraz is yet to win the Finals in four previous attempts.
Having completed the career slam and won nearly everywhere else, it’s one of the Spaniard's last big targets.
"Every year I think this is going to be my year here," he said.
"This time, maybe I'm arriving in the best possible conditions, especially mentally. I'm fresh and really looking forward to facing any difficulties that might come my way. Honestly, I can't wait to play this tournament."
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The formidable opposition Carlos Alcaraz faces at ATP Finals
Alcaraz won’t simply be able to waltz to the title though. His and Sinner’s injuries, combined with Zverev’s remarkable consistency this year, means the German has reached the World No1 ranking for the first time in his career.
Alcaraz is the tournament’s second seed in a Group B that has Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Francis Tiafoe, while Zverev faces considerable opposition in the form of Ben Shelton, Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar in Group A.
The two top players from the round robin, best-of-three-set matches progress to the knockout round, with the top player from each group playing the runner-up from the other, before the two winners play a final.
If both Alcaraz and Zverev top their groups, and then win their semi-finals, they’ll face each other, but the latter isn’t yet looking that far ahead.
“I think we shouldn't disrespect anybody,” Zverev said. "I don't think about Carlos right now.
“I think about these three young gentlemen, because we have a very strong group and everybody shows that they know how to play tennis, otherwise they would not be here.
“So my focus is on them at the moment, and then we see what will happen later in the week.”
In contrast to Alcaraz, Zverev has already won the ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021, with hard-court tennis suiting the 6ft 6in base-liner.
The dark horses for the 2026 ATP Finals
Could there be an upset in Turin? There are a few players who may upset the odds at the end-of-season finale.
Rafael Jodar is now the fastest player ever to progress from making his debut to the world’s top-ten, doing so 287 days after making his bow at this year's Australian Open. The 20-year-old could ruffle a few feathers in Italy if his form continues.
Having collected $3,348,899 on his run to the ATP Finals, the Spanish sensation could now grab more than that in one go if he wins every match in Turin, with a maximum prize money $5,171,000 on offer.
“For me it was kind of a goal because it's the first year [on Tour] for me,” Jodar said.
“So I just let my game evolve during these past tournaments. But I got enough points to be here. It’s an honor and a privilege to share this group with the best players in the world. I’m super happy to be in Turin for my first time and enjoying the week so far.”
Could finalist Ben Shelton avenge his US Open final loss to Zverev? He’s yet to win a match at the ATP Finals.
“Had some very tight matches last year,” he said. “It’s an honour to be a part of this group and get multiple matches in a row where you get to compete and put yourself next to the best players in the world.”
The 2026 ATP Finals draw in full
John McEnroe Group (A):
Alexander Zverev (1)
Ben Shelton (3)
Arthur Fils (6)
Rafael Jodar (8)
Ivan Lendl Group (B):
Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Daniil Medvedev (4)
Flavio Cobolli (5)
Francis Tiafoe (7)
2026 ATP Finals prize money breakdown
Undefeated Champion: $5,171,000
Final Win: $2,412,000
Semi-Final Win: $1,206,000
Each Round-Robin Match Win: $405,000
Participation Fee: $338,000
Alternate: $156,000
Topics: Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Roger Federer
James Elson
