The draw for the final event of the tennis calendar is complete. The eight highest-ranked players in the world have been split into two groups of four as the ATP elite head to Turin for the Nitto ATP Finals.
With only the very best competing, every match promises high intensity as players make one last push before entering the off-season.
Draw Format Explained
The two groups are named in honour of former World No.1 players Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg. The format divides the eight seeds into four pairs: 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8. One player from each pair is placed in each group, and both seeds from the same pair cannot be drawn together. This system keeps the groups balanced and prevents one side from becoming lopsided.
Nitto ATP Finals Draw
Sinner and Alcaraz Lead Their Groups
The top two seeds, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, headline the groups. Sinner leads Group Bjorn Borg, while Alcaraz anchors Group Jimmy Connors.
The complete groups are as follows:
Djokovic Drawn Into Alcaraz’s Group
Novak Djokovic, in what appears to be his return to Turin, joins Alcaraz in Group Jimmy Connors. The two last met at these Finals in 2023, where Djokovic won comfortably.
World No.3 Alexander Zverev joins Sinner in Group Bjorn Borg. He faced Sinner twice recently in Vienna and Paris, losing both matches. The Paris meeting ended in a one-sided 6–0 6–1 win for the Italian.
American Duo Learn Their Fate
American players Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton were the next names drawn. Fritz lands in Group Jimmy Connors, while ATP Finals debutant Shelton joins Group Bjorn Borg.
Both face difficult paths. Fritz has won only one of his sixteen combined meetings against Djokovic and Alcaraz. Shelton has won one of his twelve against Zverev and Sinner.
De Minaur Returns, Final Spot Still Open
Alex de Minaur is the final confirmed player in Group Jimmy Connors, returning for his second appearance. The last spot in Group Bjorn Borg remains undecided. It will go to either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Lorenzo Musetti.
If Musetti wins the ATP 250 in Athens, he qualifies and enters the Borg group. In all other scenarios, Auger-Aliassime takes the final place, marking his first appearance at the event since 2022.
If seven-time champion Djokovic withdraws late, whichever player from Musetti or Auger-Aliassime does not qualify will replace him in Group Jimmy Connors.
Attention Turns to Turin
With the draw set, all the tennis attention now shifts to Turin. As always, LWOT will provide full coverage throughout the week, including a complete tournament guide, analysis, and match predictions as the 2025 season reaches its final chapter.
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
