Tennis news: Alcaraz insulted, Djokovic’s retirement plan and two people die at ATP Finals

A closer look at some tennis headlines as two people sadly die at the ATP Finals, while Carlos Alcaraz aims to win the season-ending event

The ATP Finals is in full swing at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, with all eyes on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they vie for the world No. 1 spot. As the last event of the season, it means that either player could end 2025 top of the world rankings.

Sinner is hoping to retain his crown after ending last year as No. 1, and he has the home crowd behind him on Italian turf. However, Alcaraz is currently leading the pack and could solidify his position by clinching the ATP Finals title.

Despite the captivating rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, the tennis community has been left heartbroken by the deaths of two spectators at the tournament. Here, Mirror Sport looks at some of the top tennis stories.

Two fans die during ATP Finals

Tragedy struck the ATP Finals on Monday when two fans died within hours of each other. According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, one man fell ill in the Fan Village near the arena.

Another spectator was taken ill in the stands during the match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz. Both men, aged 70 and 78, were treated by emergency responders and were rushed to the hospital. However, both men sadly passed away.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu discovers fate after putting ranking goal at risk by ending season earlyREAD MORE: Inside Jannik Sinner’s £3.5k-a-night suite at ATP Finals that risks upsetting Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz insulted

Carlos Alcaraz received a frosty reception from Italian tennis fans upon his arrival at the tournament. Alcaraz is due to take on Taylor Fritz in his second group stage match on Tuesday, following his win over Alex de Minaur at the weekend.

The 22-year-old has built up a massive following after quickly winning multiple Grand Slams. However, he wasn’t given a hero’s reception in Italy due to his competitive rivalry with Sinner.

Social media clips captured Alcaraz being jeered and heckled upon his arrival in Turin. Supporters were spotted yelling at Alcaraz outside his hotel, though the Spanish star will be hoping it won’t affect his form on court.

Novak Djokovic’s retirement plan

Novak Djokovic pulled out of the ATP Finals, paving the way for Lorenzo Musetti to step into the competition. However, the tennis icon has revealed that he plans to continue playing for several more years.

The 38-year-old has secured a record-breaking 24 major singles crowns and might well add more silverware in the years ahead. He also won Olympic gold at last year’s Paris Games and reckons the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics might be the ideal moment to leave the sport.

“I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it,” Djokovic explained after winning the Hellenic Championship at the weekend.

“Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice.”