Italian ace says keeping world No 1 spot 'not only in my hands'

Jannik Sinner said his hopes of securing the year-end No 1 ranking are not solely in his control, after the Italian reclaimed top spot from rival Carlos Alcaraz by winning the Paris Masters on Sunday.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner wrestled back the world No 1 ranking by beating Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the final of the Paris Masters, after Alcaraz slipped to a shock early exit in the second round.

However, as the two players head into the ATP Finals — running from Nov 9-16 in Turin, Italy — defending champion Sinner has a lot more points to defend than the Spaniard, who exited last year's season-ending showpiece at the group stage.

"It's not only in my hands, but I am, of course, happy (to be back at No 1)," the 24-year-old said.

"I knew from the beginning of the week that there was this chance. The goal was to go day by day, trying to maximize my potential, which I have done this week, and I'm extremely happy.

"Now, we recharge, and hopefully be as ready as possible for Turin."

Sinner had told his pre-tournament news conference in the French capital that it would be "impossible" for him to finish 2025 atop the world rankings.

But now, following his maiden Paris Masters title, Sinner trails Alcaraz by just 1,050 points in the race to Turin, where one of them will be crowned year-end No 1.

"Before every tournament, or before every match, I try to put in the best performance I can on the court, and then, whatever comes, comes," Sinner added.

"In Turin, I'm going to do the same. I watch my side, and I just play the best possible tennis I can, and if it's not going to be, it's not going to be."

AFP