ATP Finals 2023: Djokovic, Alcaraz lead group play

Defending champ Djokovic is 51-5 on the season, having not lost since his Wimbledon runner-up finish to Alcaraz, claiming 20 match wins in a row and capturing titles in Cincinnati, the US Open and the Paris Masters. His US Open triumph gave him 24 majors, an Open Era record that also matched the all-time Grand Slam tally.

The 36-year-old is joined by Sinner, 22, Tsitsipas, 25 and the 20-year-old Rune in his group, who he is collectively 16-4 against.

“Thanks for reminding me of the age,” Djokovic told reporters when asked about the younger generation. “I don’t know which kind of “gen” [generation] group I fit in. Being able to compete with the younger guys is always extra motivation for me; I know that they are hungry.”

He added: “They have big goals and objectives to win this tournament and make history, so that inspires me even more to play my best tennis.”

Alcaraz is the top player in his group, but is just 5-3 since the US Open, and withdrew from an event in Basel, Switzerland, in recent weeks due to issues in both his left foot and in his glutes.

“I’m feeling great right now; I come here 100 percent,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I missed last year [due to injury]. I’m really excited to [try and] do good here.”

Zverev, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, and Medvedev are both former champions at this event, with Zverev winning in 2018 and 2021 while Medvedev won in 2020.

In doubles, top seeds are Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, while Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury look to repeat their title run from 2022.