Introduction
The year-end showdown in men’s tennis takes centre stage as the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals heads to the Inalpi Arena in Turin from 9–16 November 2025. ATP Tour+2mint+2 With the top eight singles players of the year (plus two doubles teams) battling in a unique round-robin format, we’re set for a spectacular finish to the season.
Here’s everything you need to know: how players qualify, the draw and groups, key names like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner, and what I’ll be watching as we edge into the event.
Qualifiers & the Race to Turin
How qualification works
To earn one of the coveted eight singles spots, a player needs to rank among the top men on the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin leaderboard—essentially the season’s accumulation of results. Once eight are secured, they’re invited to Turin. ATP Tour+1
Who’s already in
- Carlos Alcaraz: became the first to qualify for 2025 after advancing to the Wimbledon semi-final. Nitto ATP Finals
- Jannik Sinner: also locked in, and he’ll defend his title from 2024. ATP Tour
- Novak Djokovic: confirmed his qualification, setting a record-tying 18th appearance. ATP Tour+1
- Taylor Fritz: earned his spot after a strong season; will make his third appearance. ATP Tour
- Alex de Minaur: confirmed qualification, returning for a second consecutive season. Nitto ATP Finals
- Félix Auger-Aliassime: secured a place near the end of the race. ATP Tour
And others like Ben Shelton, Alexander Zverev, and possibly one wildcard/reserve spot depending on last-minute shifts.
Spotlight: Djokovic
At 38, Djokovic remains among the elite. His qualification marks his 18th appearance at this event, tying Roger Federer for the record. ATP Tour Notably, he clinched his 100th tour-level title in Geneva this year. Nitto ATP Finals
Why this year’s race matters
- For Alcaraz and Sinner, there’s more than just the Finals: the year-end No.1 ranking is up for grabs.
- For Djokovic and the veterans, it’s another chance to add to a storied legacy at this tournament.
- For the younger players, simply making the eight is a major achievement and potential springboard into 2026.
Draw & Groups for the 2025 Finals
6
The draw process
The draw took place on 6 November. Nitto ATP Finals+1 The format: 8 players split into two groups of four. Each player faces the other three in his group (round-robin). The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals. ATP Tour
Groups
Based on recent announcements:
- Jimmy Connors Group: Carlos Alcaraz (1), Novak Djokovic (4), Taylor Fritz (6), Alex de Minaur (7) Sky Sports
- Bjorn Borg Group: Jannik Sinner (2), Alexander Zverev (3), Ben Shelton (5), and either Félix Auger-Aliassime (8) or Lorenzo Musetti (8) depending on final race outcome. ATP Tour+1
Notable implications
- Alcaraz and Djokovic will meet in group play — a blockbuster straightaway.
- Home favourite Sinner leads the other group and will face Zverev, who has had his struggles recently.
- The final slot in Bjorn Borg Group remains dynamic, adding suspense until the last moment.
- For players, the round-robin stage means you can’t afford a slow start: every match plays a part in advancement.
Key Players & Storylines
Carlos Alcaraz
6
- The Spaniard leads the PIF ATP Live Race and is on a career-best winning streak. Nitto ATP Finals
- He’s still chasing his first Finals title, which would add another huge accolade.
- His draw opens with Djokovic — a high-pressure start.
Jannik Sinner
6
- Defending champion, eager to retain his crown. ATP Tour
- Playing on home soil in Italy gives him an extra motivational edge.
Novak Djokovic
6
- A record-seven-time ATP Finals champion.
- Aiming to add to his storied legacy and possibly extend it.
- His inclusion keeps the tournament’s “greatest of all time” narrative alive.
Alexander Zverev & Ben Shelton
6
- Zverev is a past champion (2018, 2021) and will aim to reclaim form. DIE WELT
- Shelton represents the next generation; this stage is huge for his growth.
Format, Ranking Points & Prize Money
6
Format Recap
- Players are split into 2 groups of 4.
- Each plays three round-robin matches.
- Top 2 from each group proceed to semi-finals (Group A winner vs Group B runner-up, and vice-versa). Sky Sports+1
- Semi-final winners meet in the final on 16 November. Quotidiano Sportivo
Ranking Points & Prize Money
- A round-robin win = 200 points; semi-final win = 400 points; final win = 500 points; perfect unbeaten champion = up to 1,500 points. mint
- Prize money is substantial (estimates around US$15.5 million total for the event) though exact breakdowns are variable. Quotidiano Sportivo+1
Why it matters
- Players can significantly improve their year-end ranking and momentum into 2026.
- For those who have had injury-hit seasons, this is a last chance to end on a high.
- For fans and broadcasters: more matches between top players in a short span = high intensity, big stakes.
Outlook & What to Watch
- Early fireworks: Alcaraz vs Djokovic is a group stage heavyweight clash.
- Home hero angle: Sinner in Italy, looking to build on last year’s win.
- Emerging stars: Shelton and possibly Musetti (if he qualifies) bringing freshness.
- Redemption arcs: Zverev, Fritz, de Minaur hunting big results.
- Physical/mental stamina: Round-robin can be tricky — misstep early, and chances fade.
- Final-week momentum: The player who peeks at the right time may have the edge into the knockout rounds.
Final Word
The 2025 Nitto ATP Finals promises to be a marquee event: top-tier players, massive stakes, and an enticing venue in Turin. Whether you’re a casual fan or a tennis aficionado, this week of tennis is worth tuning into.