Jannik Sinner has been handed a significant, and potentially controversial, advantage as he begins his campaign to defend the ATP Finals title in Turin. The Italian world No. 2 has been allocated the tournament's most luxurious hotel suite, a £3,500-per-night presidential accommodation, while his rivals, including Carlos Alcaraz, have been assigned more modest quarters.
The Presidential Perk
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner will reside in the opulent Presidential Suite at the five-star Principi di Piemonte Hotel. This palatial room is far from a standard hotel stay, boasting a private bar, two marble bathrooms, and a dedicated wellness area complete with an exercise bike and a hot tub. The hotel itself describes the suite, located on the top floor and named after Italy's last queen, Maria Jose, as a "true icon of luxury" offering panoramic views of the city.
This plush setting provides the perfect environment for Sinner to unwind during the intense week of competition. The 24-year-old, who defeated Taylor Fritz in the 2024 final, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the season-ending tournament once again, especially with the backing of his home crowd.
A Fair Advantage or Home Turf Favouritism?
While some may argue that the defending champion deserves the best facilities, others question whether this creates an uneven playing field. The situation is particularly sensitive given the tournament is being held on Sinner's home soil in Italy. This perceived advantage could be a psychological blow to competitors like Carlos Alcaraz, whose best performance at the ATP Finals was a semi-final finish in 2023.
However, any potential grumbling did not seem to affect Alcaraz's initial performance. The Spaniard kicked off the tournament with a straight-sets victory over Alex De Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group on Sunday. Alexander Zverev, a two-time champion of the event, also started strongly with a win over Ben Shelton.
The Stakes in Turin
The financial rewards on offer in Turin are immense. A total prize pool of £12 million is up for grabs, with the undefeated champion standing to earn a staggering £3.87 million. Sinner begins his title defence on Monday evening against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The draw has seen a late change, with Italian compatriot Lorenzo Musetti stepping in to replace the injured Novak Djokovic.
Known for his unusual habit of sleeping until just 45 minutes before some matches, a good night's rest in his luxurious suite could indeed become Sinner's secret weapon. After his major victories at this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon, where he beat Zverev and Alcaraz respectively, the Italian will be hoping his premium accommodation provides the edge needed for a back-to-back ATP Finals triumph.
