"Such an embarrassing statement"; "Grow a backbone" - Fans slam Carlos Alcaraz for 'disappointing' mindset about Jannik Sinner & his World No. 1 chase

Fans expressed disappointment over Carlos Alcaraz’s recent comments about his year-end World No. 1 battle with Jannik Sinner, which will be decided at the ATP Finals. Many felt the Spaniard sounded uncertain about his chances despite being the frontrunner to finish the season as the top-ranked player.

Alcaraz reclaimed the World No. 1 spot from Sinner after winning the 2025 US Open. Since then, the Italian has captured three titles and, while not in the strongest position, has kept himself in contention for the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Alcaraz remains the favorite but said he wouldn’t be disappointed if Sinner overtook him.

"He [Jannik Sinner] won in Vienna, he's coming off a win in Paris, and if he finishes first, it's because he would win here and he deserves it. Obviously, I'm going to try to fight to prevent that from happening. If it does happen, it wouldn't be a disappointment," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Fans were not impressed with the Spaniard's comment. Many felt that the 22-year-old is showing underconfidence even though he is in a prime position to seal the top spot.

"Such an embarrassing statement and mindset!! anything other than ye1 should upset him but hélas," one fan wrote. "Carlos i need you to grow a backbone and stop rating this ginger," another fan wrote. "Not a disappointment pls," a third fan wrote.

Here are some more fan reactions to Carlos Alcaraz's comment about the year-end World No. 1 fight against Jannik Sinner.

"WTF IS THIS MINDSET @carlosalcaraz," one fan wrote. "No shade this is kinda embarrassing of him to say," another fan wrote. "Only lobotomy can help him it's above me now," yet another fan wrote.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's year-end position possibilites after the ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set for a thrilling battle for the year-end World No. 1 ranking as the 2025 ATP Finals get underway in Turin. The two young stars, who have dominated the men’s tour, have been drawn into separate groups.

Alcaraz leads the Jimmy Connors Group, where he will face Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. Sinner headlines the Björn Borg Group, joined by Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, and either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Lorenzo Musetti.

Heading into Turin, Alcaraz controls the race for the year-end No. 1. After reclaiming the top spot from Sinner by winning the US Open, he needs over 450 points to secure the year-end ranking.

Sinner, the defending champion, must win the ATP Finals to have any chance of overtaking the Spaniard. If Sinner goes unbeaten and wins the title while Alcaraz fails to reach the final and drops a group-stage match, the Italian will reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

However, if Sinner wins the trophy after losing one group match, Alcaraz would need just two group-stage wins to stay on top. Overall, the Spaniard remains in the stronger position to finish the season as World No. 1 for the second time in his career.

Edited by Aliasgar Ayaz