Alcaraz smiles proudly as he holds up the Year-End Player of the Year trophy

TURIN, Italy — Carlos Alcaraz was all smiles Friday as he hoisted the year-end No. 1 tennis player trophy.

Shortly before Sinner’s match against Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old Spaniard was presented with the trophy at the Inalpi Stadium in Turin.

“I’m happy to be No. 1 in the world again,” Alcaraz said. “It’s something I work hard on every day with my team. It’s a goal, to be honest, but I think it’s a journey you don’t go through alone.

“Your whole team, your family, the people closest to you are behind you and they always support you in the tough moments and the good moments.”

For the second time in his career, Alcaraz has ended the year at the top of the list.

In 2022, at just 19 years old, he accomplished the feat, becoming the youngest player to be ranked No. 1 in a year.

“To win this trophy again, the first one in 2022, I have the same team. I am still proud of the team I have now,” Alcaraz added.

“So to me, it’s a great accomplishment. It means the world to me, honestly, and I’m very proud and happy.”