The draw separates the world No. 1, Alexander Zverev, from the second seed, Carlos Alcaraz, ensuring no direct confrontation between the top two players during the round-robin phase.
Alcaraz enters the tournament seeking his first ATP Finals title after a strong season that included a return from injury at the US Open and subsequent titles in Paris, Vienna, and Tokyo. The 23-year-old has shown dominant form on indoor courts, losing only one set during a recent 10-match winning streak.
“This is a tournament I have really wanted to win someday,” Alcaraz said after defeating Ben Shelton in the Paris Masters final. “This year, I will participate in the tournament with increased confidence and based on valuable experiences of improving myself and playing better. I am determined to conquer this title.”
Group Assignments for the Turin Event
The tournament features two distinct groups of four players each. Because both Spain and the United States have two representatives in the draw, the group stage will avoid any “civil wars” between players of the same nationality.
John McEnroe Group
- Alexander Zverev (1)
- Ben Shelton (3)
- Arthur Fils (6)
- Rafael Jodar (8)
Ivan Lendl Group
- Carlos Alcaraz (2)
- Daniil Medvedev (4)
- Flavio Cobolli (5)
- Frances Tiafoe (7)
Zverev Addresses Ranking Criticism Amid Recent Tournament Losses
Alexander Zverev, a two-time winner of this year-end event in 2018 and 2021, showed signs of mental fatigue following losses to Alex de Minaur in Vienna and Lorenzo Musetti in Paris. The German No. 1 has addressed recent criticism regarding his ranking status.
“I feel like the only world number one in tennis history who has to explain why I deserve to be there,” Zverev said. “It is really difficult. Because I believe I am completely deserving of my current position.”
Ben Shelton, who reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, joins Zverev in the McEnroe group. Shelton recently added Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former coach of Alcaraz, to his professional team. Following a straight-sets loss to Alcaraz in Paris, Shelton noted the importance of precision.
“Everything depends on the small details. The difference between us in the US Open was those small details, and it was the same in Paris,” Shelton said.
Prize Money and Player Absences Shape Tournament Stakes
The 2026 ATP Finals carries a total prize pool of $15.75 million, with the undefeated champion set to earn $5.171 million. The field is notable for the absence of Novak Djokovic, who is 39 and did not secure a ticket to the Turin event, and Jannik Sinner, who is sidelined due to injury.
The tournament is important for Spanish tennis, as Alcaraz and Rafael Jodar represent the country.
While veteran Daniil Medvedev is a former champion from 2020, the field includes several debutants. Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Rafael Jodar, and Frances Tiafoe are all participating in this event for the first time.
ATP Finals 2026 Participant Details
| Player | Seed/Rank | Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 2 | Lendl | Targeting first ATP Finals title |
| Ben Shelton | 3 | McEnroe | Second time at the event |
| Daniil Medvedev | 4 | Lendl | 2020 Champion |
How Much Prize Money Is Available and Who Are the Debutants?
- How much prize money is available at the 2026 ATP Finals?
- The total prize pool for the tournament is $15.75 million, and the player who wins the title without losing a match will receive $5.171 million.
- Who are the debutants in this year’s tournament?
- Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Rafael Jodar, and Frances Tiafoe are all making their first appearance at the ATP Finals.