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Only a short time ahead of the season-ending climax of the tennis season in Turin, the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner show had commenced. While the two competitors are locked in battle to decide the top spot for the season, talk spread that they were set to share a training session. Sure enough, that session they walked onto the main court together and were greeted by deafening roars from a sizable crowd.

A Training Match That Fascinated the Global Audience

The training match that came next drew similar focus as numerous contests this year. Countless spectators logged on to view the broadcast, and key moments were promptly shared later. The scores from training matches usually do not leave the training venue, but on this unique event the tennis world was promptly informed that the Italian star had finished the day with a victory by 6-3. They marked the occasion with a photo that instantly spread across the internet.

"The tour belongs to them currently. Even when Carlos endured a surprising defeat in his first game at the Paris Masters, the trend that has shaped this season on tour endured with the Italian's following win: every time the two top players have played at a event this year, one of them has concluded the tournament with the trophy."

The Central Issue: Is There a Challenger?

Subsequent to much anticipation of hype and projections about dominance, these showings are reflective of two unique talents who have already established themselves as all-time greats at such a tender age. But this season has also highlighted the shortcomings of the quality of the rest of the field. Before the ATP Finals, the biggest inquiry is whether any athlete is seriously capable of defeating the dominant pair.

The Contenders

At the moment, their chances are dim. According to the official standings, Alexander Zverev is the number three in the world. He also at the moment has fewer than half as many ranking points as the Spanish sensation at No 2. He remains one of the most successful players to have failed to secure a major title, but he has been outplayed by the leading duo in their key encounters and the disparity only appears to be growing. After getting utterly dominated by the Italian in the first major of the year, Zverev's season has been disappointing.

Considering he advanced to the semi-finals of every major this season this season, the Serbian legend has proven that he is likely the next in line in the world. On paper, his opportunities of beating the top two are better over three-set matches and indoors than during the majors, but he competes in the Greek tournament finale and he is has not confirmed if he will play in the Finals. The series of contests in his body over the recent days would undoubtedly be an additional hindrance to his hopes of winning in Italy.

There are more doubts among the other players. The American star has enjoyed an outstanding season, establishing himself in the upper echelon. His competitive toughness, continued improvement and the versatile playing style he has built supported by his powerful delivery is commendable but it is hard not see him as a player who is squeezing out all of his potential, rather than a player with sufficient scope for advancement to bridge the gap to the leading pair.

New Faces and Established Names

In his first ATP Finals, the young American is the most junior of the remaining competitors and perhaps the intriguing newcomer. On one hand, with his nuclear serve, comprehensive offensive style and physical prowess, he has great promise. But there are also deficiencies in his skills, especially his backhand side and return of serve, that Sinner and Alcaraz have taken advantage of effortlessly.

The Australian competitor has successfully qualified for the ATP Finals for a second occasion in his professional life but his playing style is short on weaponry against the top tier. The final spot in the draw will be settled on Saturday. If Lorenzo Musetti overcome the Serbian to win the Athens ATP 250 event, he would jump ahead of the in-form Canadian star in the points race to become the final automatic qualifier.

Significant Omissions

Similarly noteworthy as the participants in Turin are the absences. The dramatic struggles of three former top players, regular high-ranked athletes not very long ago, have not helped the competition. The serious injuries to Jack Draper, in the midst of a breakthrough year, and the French prodigy, the highly gifted youngster who seemed to be in the midst of a landmark season, have weakened the chasing pack. No other player has made significant strides to stepping up.

The Final Verdict

Apart from the dominant pair, the possibility of claiming this Turin tournament seems very remote. However, in a tournament showcasing the top competitors in the world, with the pressure squarely on the backs of the two favourites, all games is an opportunity for the competitor to demonstrate what they are made of. The tournament duration will reveal which player, if anyone at all, is ready to step up.