"If Carlos Alcaraz wasn't popular, there would be outrage": Fans surprised by Spaniard's 'arrogant' outfit for practice vs Jannik Sinner at ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz's practice session outfit garnered reactions from fans as his t-shirt featured his popular 'finger to the ear' gesture from the Roland Garros. Alcaraz was practising with his top rival, Jannik Sinner, when he pulled out that move.

Carlos Alcaraz has blocked Jannik Sinner’s attempts to win Tour-level titles multiple times this year. He first trounced the Italian during his Roland Garros title run, then repeated the feat at the Cincinnati Masters and later at the US Open, where he also reclaimed the top spot. Although Sinner catapulted himself back to No. 1 after his Paris Masters heroics, his title defense could be at risk at the ATP Finals.

To make his presence felt at the recent practice session between the top two, Alcaraz sported a t-shirt with his popular 'finger on the ear' gesture from his French Open-winning moment. Fans noted that it was an 'arrogant' move from the Spaniard, while some also felt that it was a Nike collaboration of some kind.

One fan said:

"If he wasn't popular here there would be outrage as to how arrogant this is. I generally think it's hilarious. especially given the match it's from, but that's probably my bias speaking."

Another fan highlighted that it was a strategic move from Alcaraz to make Sinner feel unsettled.

"Bro trying to trigger that PTSD in Jannik lol"

Another Reddit user wondered if it was a new launch of his partner brand, Nike.

"So is this part of his new logo thing with nike"

Here are some of the other reactions:

"Alcaraz is so savage," a fan tweeted. "Mind games in the year end no.1 battle," commented a fan.

Carlos Alcaraz learned his ATP Finals main draw fate

Alcaraz at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz, the standout Spaniard who has been making greater strides on the court than any other player, captured multiple titles this year and even toppled Jannik Sinner to reclaim the No. 1 spot after Flushing Meadows. Although he fell in the opening round of the Paris Masters, he will return to the court in full form at the ATP Finals.

The main draw has been released, and Carlos Alcaraz has been placed as the frontrunner in the Björn Borg Group. Based on the current scenario, Alcaraz has better chances of finishing the year as No. 1. He will need two group-stage wins if the Italian loses one match. However, he can settle for just one group win, even if Sinner defends his title with a 1–2 record.

Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder