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Just days prior to the season-ending climax of the ATP season in the Italian city of Turin, the Sinner and Alcaraz spectacle had already begun. Even though the two competitors are locked in battle to decide the top spot for the season, speculation circulated that they were arranged to share a training session. True to form, that session they walked onto the stadium court together and were welcomed by deafening roars from a large crowd.

A Practice Session That Captivated the Tennis World

The training match that ensued attracted comparable interest as numerous contests this season. A multitude of fans logged on to view the broadcast, and key moments were promptly shared afterwards. The scores from friendly games usually do not leave the training venue, but on this occasion the sporting community was promptly informed that the Italian star had concluded the session with a triumphant set. They commemorated the moment with a selfie that instantly spread across the internet.

"This is their tour now. Even when the Spaniard experienced a surprising defeat in his first game at the recent tournament, the streak that has shaped this men's tennis year endured with the Italian's following win: whenever the two top players have participated at a event this year, at least one has concluded the tournament with the championship."

The Big Query: Who Can Stop Them?

Subsequent to much anticipation of hype and projections about supremacy, these displays are reflective of two special players who have already established themselves as all-time greats at such an early stage. But this season has also highlighted the shortcomings of the caliber of the other competitors. Before the ATP Finals, the primary dilemma is whether any player is truly able of stopping Alcaraz and Sinner.

The Hopefuls

At the moment, their odds are dim. Based on the world rankings, the German star is the number three in the world. He also presently possesses fewer than half as many ATP points as Alcaraz at number two. Zverev remains one of the most successful players to have never won a major title, but he has been dominated by the top pair in their key encounters and the difference only looks to be increasing. Since being utterly dominated by the Italian in the first major of the year, the German's year has been unimpressive.

Given he advanced to the last four of all four grand slam tournaments this year, Novak Djokovic has proven that he is probably the third strongest competitor in the world. In theory, his opportunities of beating the top two are greater over shorter formats and on indoor courts than during the majors, but he is involved in the Greek tournament finale and he is yet to decide if he will play in the Finals. The multiple games in his system over the past week would certainly be an additional hindrance to his prospects for victory in Turin.

Additional uncertainties remain among the other players. The American star has experienced an excellent year, securing his place inside the top five. His competitive toughness, continued improvement and the well-rounded game he has built complemented by his powerful delivery is praiseworthy but it is hard not see him as a player who is eking out all of his potential, instead of a contender with adequate capacity for advancement to close the distance to the leading pair.

Fresh Talent and Veteran Presence

In his first ATP Finals, the young American is the most junior of the remaining competitors and perhaps the most interesting addition. For one thing, with his devastating delivery, versatile attacking game and physical prowess, he has enormous potential. But there are also weaknesses in his play, notably his backhand and return of serve, that the leading duo have exploited with ease.

The Australian competitor has successfully qualified for the ATP Finals for a second time in his career but his playing style is short on weaponry against the very best. The final spot in the draw will be determined on the weekend. Should the Italian hopeful defeat the Serbian to win the Greek tournament, he would leapfrog the in-form Canadian star in the ATP race to become the eighth participant.

Key Missing Players

Similarly noteworthy as the competitors in the Finals are the non-participants. The dramatic struggles of Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, consistent elite competitors until recently, have not helped the competition. The significant ailments to Jack Draper, in the middle of a impressive campaign, and the French prodigy, the extremely skilled youngster who seemed to be in the midst of a career-defining period, have weakened the group of contenders. Nobody else has come close to elevating their game.

The Last Word

Apart from Sinner and Alcaraz, the prospect of claiming this year's ATP Finals seems highly unlikely. Nevertheless, in a competition including the best players in the world, with the spotlight squarely on the backs of the two favourites, all games is an moment for the challenger to demonstrate what they are able to achieve. The tournament duration will determine which player, if anyone at all, is prepared to step up.