Big Money for Standing By
Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur may not have secured direct qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin this season, but both men are still set to pocket a very comfortable $156,000 each as official alternates. Their role requires them to assist qualified players in practice sessions and remain ready to step in should any competitor withdraw through injury. It is a significant arrangement, particularly for Fritz, whose alternate fee actually exceeds the $128,016 he would collect by winning the Stockholm Open this week. For De Minaur, who has accumulated $4,166,407 in prize money across the 2026 campaign despite a difficult run at the Grand Slams, the alternate fee adds another meaningful boost to an already solid financial year.
Fritz's choice to compete in Stockholm had raised eyebrows among fans, since the event carries no bearing on ATP Finals qualification. However, his alternate status in Turin makes the decision far more logical. He needs to stay in Europe anyway, and competing in Stockholm keeps him match-sharp in case he is called upon in Italy. His $3,700,373 in prize money this year makes the alternate fee his largest single payday outside of Grand Slam and Masters 1000 events.
History Shows Alternates Can Matter
History suggests there is a real chance either player could see competitive action. Fifteen alternates have been called into the ATP Finals over the past three decades, including Jannik Sinner in 2021 and Hubert Hurkacz in 2023. The most famous alternate story remains David Nalbandian, who entered the tournament in 2005 and went on to win it, defeating Roger Federer along the way. Fritz and De Minaur will be hoping for a similar opportunity. TennisDraw bracket users will want to keep both names in mind when setting their Turin predictions.
