With the US Open now concluded, the ATP season moves into its final stretch, featuring the Asian tour before returning to Europe for the indoor tournaments, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup. For many of the men’s tour’s top players, these weeks are as much about defending past achievements as they are about chasing new victories. As the season winds down, ranking points, which determine seeding and qualification for year-end events, take on critical importance, and a handful of players face immense pressure to maintain their positions.
Jannik Sinner’s heavy burden
No player has more at stake than Jannik Sinner. The Italian, who recently lost the world number one ranking to Carlos Alcaraz, has 2,830 points to defend over the remaining tournaments, more than anyone else on tour. Sinner’s late-2024 form set the standard: after winning the US Open, he reached the Beijing final, claimed the Shanghai Masters title, then secured the ATP Finals crown and capped the season by lifting the Davis Cup for Italy.
This remarkable run means that Sinner’s autumn calendar is essentially a defensive mission. Failure to replicate his results from last year could see him drop further in the rankings, widening the gap with Alcaraz and putting him at risk of losing momentum heading into 2026. The Italian’s ability to sustain top form across multiple continents and surfaces will be tested like never before.
