Two-time ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev defeated four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5) 6-4 to advance to the season-ending championship’s semi-finals, putting the Spaniard in danger of elimination.
Zverev entered the tournament as the group leader after defeating Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud and eighth-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev. However, he needed to defeat Alcaraz by at least one set in order to advance to the semi-finals.
With his win, he ensured a first-place finish in the John Newcombe Group and will now play against the U.S. Open finalist Taylor Fritz. Zverev’s victory against Alcaraz was all the more gratifying after he lost the French Open final against the Spaniard in June,
Zverev said: “He (Alcaraz) beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy that I got this one… Obviously I feel like we have a pretty good rivalry with a great friendship as well, so it’s always nice to play against him… Just sharing the court with him. He’s a great guy and I’m looking forward to the next matches with him as well”
He added: “It’s been three fantastic matches. I’m happy with being 3-0 in the group for sure, but I think now the semi-final is going to be very difficult. (Taylor) beat me the past few times at the slams, so I’m looking forward to that match.”
Third seed Alcaraz could still advance to the semi-finals based on his percentage of victories only if Rublev defeats Ruud in straight sets later on.
Source: CNA