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Just a short time before the season-ending climax of the ATP season in Turin, the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner show had already begun. Although the two rivals are locked in battle to settle the top spot for the season, rumours swirled that they were scheduled to share a training session. True to form, that session they walked onto the main court in unison and were welcomed by deafening roars from a significant crowd.

A Training Match That Fascinated the Global Audience

The practice set that came next garnered as much attention as plenty of games this season. A multitude of fans logged on to watch the live stream, and highlights were promptly shared afterwards. The outcomes from training matches are often confined to the practice court, but on this instance the sporting community was promptly informed that the Italian star had wrapped up with a triumphant set. They celebrated the event with a selfie that quickly went viral across the internet.

"This is their tour at present. Even when Alcaraz suffered a surprising defeat in his opening match at the recent tournament, the trend that has shaped this season on tour endured with the Italian's following win: on each occasion Alcaraz and Sinner have competed at a competition this year, either player has concluded the tournament with the championship."

The Question: Can Anyone Halt Their Dominance?

Following a long period of anticipation and predictions about dominance, these showings are demonstrative of two exceptional athletes who have quickly made their mark as legendary figures at such an early stage. But this year has also reflected badly on the quality of the remaining players. Before the ATP Finals, the primary dilemma is if any athlete is truly able of halting Alcaraz and Sinner.

The Contenders

As things stand, their chances are dim. Based on the ATP rankings, the German star is the third best player in the world. He also currently holds a fraction as many ATP points as the Spanish sensation at number two. Zverev remains one of the most decorated athletes to have failed to secure a grand slam tournament, but he has been outplayed by the leading duo in their key encounters and the difference only appears to be growing. Following completely overpowered by the Italian in the first major of the year, his campaign has been disappointing.

Considering he advanced to the semi-finals of every major this season this season, the Serbian legend has shown that he is probably the third strongest competitor in the world. On paper, his prospects of overcoming Sinner and Alcaraz are better over best of three sets and on indoor courts than in five-set battles, but he is involved in the Athens final and he is still undecided if he will compete in the Finals. The five matches in his body over the last seven days would undoubtedly be an additional hindrance to his chances of success in Italy.

Additional uncertainties remain across the field. The American star has experienced an excellent year, securing his place in the upper echelon. His psychological fortitude, steady progress and the well-rounded game he has developed behind his enormous serve is praiseworthy but it is tough not to perceive him as a player who is eking out all of his potential, rather than a competitor with enough room for growth to close the distance to the leading pair.

Fresh Talent and Veteran Presence

In his debut in the season finale, Ben Shelton is the most junior of the remaining competitors and possibly the intriguing newcomer. For one thing, with his devastating delivery, all-court aggression and fitness, he has huge upside. But there are also weaknesses in his play, particularly his backhand and ability to handle serves, that Sinner and Alcaraz have exploited with ease.

Alex de Minaur has impressively made the season-ending tournament for a second time in his tennis journey but his approach is short on weaponry against the elite players. The remaining berth in the tournament field will be settled on Saturday. Should the Italian hopeful beat the Serbian to win the Athens ATP 250 event, he would jump ahead of the red-hot Félix Auger-Aliassime in the ATP race to become the eighth participant.

Notable Absences

Similarly noteworthy as the players in Turin are the missing names. The significant difficulties of Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, regular high-ranked athletes not very long ago, have failed to strengthen the competition. The major physical issues to Jack Draper, in the middle of a breakthrough year, and Arthur Fils, the extremely skilled 21-year-old who seemed to be in the throes of a career-defining period, have weakened the chasing pack. Nobody else has made significant strides to stepping up.

The Final Verdict

For anyone other than the top two, the idea of securing this year's ATP Finals seems highly unlikely. Nevertheless, in a tournament featuring the finest athletes in the world, with the expectations squarely on the backs of the leading contenders, each contest is an moment for the underdog to demonstrate what they are made of. The coming week will reveal which player, if anyone at all, is equipped to rise to the occasion.