Turin Contenders Gather For Official Photo, Palace Tour

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and fellow Nitto ATP Finals contenders gathered at the Royal Palace Of Turin Friday evening for a spectacular official photo, media availability and reception ahead of Sunday's opening day of play at the Pala Alpitour.

Dressed in smart casual, players signed autographs and posed for selfies with Italian fans in the late afternoon before entering the palace, where the official photo was taken on the grand staircase of the Musei Reali-Palazzo Reale di Torino, which was originally built in the 16th century.

"This palace is definitely one of the most stunning venues that I have seen in this city; it is incredibly historic and beautiful," said World No. 1 and six-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic.

"This is my third time in Turin and I have enjoyed myself very much. The whole city this week lives for tennis. You can feel a lot of interest, a lot of attention and passion for tennis and sport in general."

Once home to the House of Savoy, the palace and surrounding complex is located in the centre of Turin and is known for housing the Shroud of Turin, along with its impressive tapestries, extensive Royal Library, Museum of Antiquities and historic weapons collection.

Friday's palace visit came one day after the tournament draw. Djokovic leads the Green Group, which also features Jannik Sinner. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune. Making his debut, Alcaraz heads the Red Group that also features Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev.

The champions have arrived ?#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/nWY4c24RE1

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 10, 2023

"Obviously I'm very happy to be here first time that I have qualified officially," said Italian Jannik Sinner, who played two matches in Turin as an alternate in 2021. "Playing here in Turin means a lot to me."

The tournament runs 12-19 November. Defending champion Djokovic, who is on an 18-match winning streak, is seeking a record-breaking seventh Nitto ATP Finals crown. The Serbian also needs to win just one match to be guaranteed of earning ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honours for the eighth time.