Carlos Alcaraz Dominates ATP 500, Wins Eighth Title and Secures $1 Million Bonus
Carlos Alcaraz's memorable 2025 got even better after his success at the Japan Open, which ensured he would receive a significant financial sum.
Alcaraz secured a sensational eighth title by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. It was his first appearance in Tokyo, and achieving immediate success might make him more likely to return in the future.
That was also Alcaraz's ninth consecutive final, one of the best runs in ATP history. The 22-year-old last failed to reach a final at the 2025 Miami Open over six months ago, falling to Jack Draper in the semifinal.
Understandably, the Spaniard's Grand Slam successes have received the most attention. He stunningly saved three championship points against Jannik Sinner in the 2025 French Open final before triumphing and beating his most significant rival again in the US Open final.
Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the 2025 Wimbledon final. They have contested the last three Grand Slam finals and split every major title between them since the start of 2024, reflecting their dominance of the men's game.
Although the Grand Slams matter the most to players, every tournament and title is important. Alcaraz has an outstanding record at ATP 500 levels, demonstrating his ability and dedication wherever he plays.
In February, Alcaraz won the 2025 Qatar Open, his first title at the venue. Although he did not consistently play his best tennis throughout that tournament, he showed determination and character to dig out five victories.
After losing to Jiri Lehecka at the 2025 Rotterdam Open, Alcaraz reached another 500-level final on home soil at the 2025 Barcelona Open. Unfortunately, he was injury-hampered in the final against Holger Rune and lost.
Alcaraz avenged his defeat against Jiri Lehecka in the final of the 2025 Queen's Club Championships, prevailing 7-5, 6-7, 6-2. The title in Tokyo confirmed a third 500-level title in 2025.
Those results mean Alcaraz is guaranteed to top the bonus pool given to players for ATP 500 tournaments. The player who accumulates the most ranking points from events at that level in a given year receives $1,000,000 (it is split if multiple players at the top have the same points).
There are still 500-level tournaments to be played at the Swiss Indoors in Basel and the Vienna Open, both starting October 20th, but no man can better or equal Alcaraz's points tally regardless of other results.
The financial benefit is Alcaraz's reward for his consistency. After suffering some surprising losses in 2024, many had accused him of not being as good as Jannik Sinner in that regard.
Alcaraz has been utterly relentless and the best player worldwide since this year's clay court swing, culminating in him retaking the No. 1 ranking from Sinner after beating him in the US Open final.
Sinner has many points to defend between now and the end of 2025, including at the Shanghai Masters, which has a great draw. Regaining the No. 1 ranking before the season ends is unlikely.
Dillon Gabriel named Cleveland Browns starting QB; Joe Flacco benched
There’s a new sheriff in town. Adam Schefter reported Wednesday morning that the Browns are officially benching veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel.
The move comes after a 1-3 start to the Browns’ season, in which the offense seemingly got worse every game. The Browns 2025 offense under Flacco is a far cry from 2023’s success. Total offense? 27th. Passing yards-per-game? 20th, which is not as impressive as it sounds when you’re always trailing. Rushing yards-per-game? 30th. Points-per-game? 31st of 32.
Gabriel, who the Browns drafted in the third round, takes over for Flacco as the Browns cross the pond in London. In limited regular season action, Gabriel is 3-for-4 passing for 19 yards and a passing touchdown. In two games of preseason action, Gabriel passed 25-for-37 (67.6%) for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Aside from Gabriel, rookie Shedeur Sanders remains third on the Browns depth chart behind Flacco.
Gabriel ended his college career at Oregon after stops at Central Florida and Oklahoma. While Gabriel’s senior season ended in a blowout loss to Ohio State, Dillon is one of the most prolific collegiate quarterbacks ever. Gabriel holds a number of FBS records, most notably touchdowns responsible for and points responsible for.
Gabriel’s 155 career touchdown passes are tied with former Browns QB Case Keenum for the most in FBS history.
Gabriel will be without receiver Cedric Tillman this weekend, which does not bode well for the rookie. The Browns have leaned heavily on tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. with the lack of production from the wide receiver room. Jerry Jeudy, who will make $41 million guaranteed on his contract extension, is tied for 48th in the NFL in receiving yards.
The Browns next wide receiver on the depth chart? Isaiah Bond, 126th in the NFL. The Browns will have to rely heavily on the run game and getting Gabriel into rhythm throws to make this work with the severe lack of talent around him.
Flacco getting benched opens up many opportunities in the QB room. Gabriel will get the go, and should have a fair leash, but the Browns have multiple QBs behind him. If Flacco starts again, that means something went wrong.
Mary Kay Cabot indicated that Deshaun Watson will be ready to return at some point this season, and some Browns’ fans believe Sanders is the lottery ticket the franchise has been waiting for.
