LONDON, NOV 17 – Alexander Zverev advanced to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals after scoring a victory straight set on Carlos Alcaraz, reports PA Media/dpa.
Zverev has been among the best players this week in Turin alongside Jannik Sinner, and he shined with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 win over Alcaraz.
The Spaniard is now almost certain to be eliminated after winning just one of three group games, although confirmation will only be known after Friday night’s match between Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev.
Alcaraz struggled with health issues throughout the tournament and once again had to wear a nasal strip to help him breathe.
He was under tremendous pressure on serve in the first set, saving seven break pointincluding a set point at 5-6.
Zverev had a moment of deep anxiety tie-break after taking a 5-2 lead but eventually managed to close out the set, with Alcaraz throwing his racket to the towel in frustration.
The German player then forced first break of serve at the start of the second set and Alcaraz failed to find a way to get back up.
“He beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy to finally win this time,” said Zverev, who previously lost to Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals and the French Open final.
“I think we have a good rivalry with great camaraderie as well, so it’s fun playing against them. He is a good person, and I can’t wait for the next match with him,” he said.
In the semi-finals, Zverev will face American Taylor Fritz, who has beaten him three times in a row.
“I’m happy to win 3-0 in the group stage, but I think the semi-finals will be very challenging,” said the world number two. “(Fritz) has beaten me a few times in big tournaments, so I’m looking forward to that match.” – Named
