Alexander Zverev defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 on Friday, securing a spot in the ATP Finals and putting the Spaniard’s fate beyond his control. World number two Zverev sealed his advancement by winning the first set 7-6 (7/5) after more than an hour of fight in northern Italy and then raced through the second for his third triumph in as many matches.
Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon as well as Roland Garros during the year but has been battling for form in Turin, is on the verge of being ousted from the season-ending event. Alcaraz must now rely on Russian Andrey Rublev, who has lost his last six Finals matches, to overcome Norwegian Casper Ruud in straight sets if he is to advance.
Zverev’s advancement from the John Newcombe Group fills three of the four semi-final positions, while Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz advance from the Ilie Nastase Group.
European 2nd Zverev completed his move forward by winning the first set 7-6 (7/5) amid more than an hour of fighting in northern Italy, and then cruising through the second for his third victory in as many matches.