ATP Finals: Zverev moves into the semis, dash Alcaraz’s chances of progressing

Alexander Zverev on Friday extended his winning streak to eight matches by sinking Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin.

The 27-year-old German and two-time ATP Finals champion who is still yet to drop a set at the season’s finale event got past Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-4 despite an intriguing first set.

Zverev, who was facing Alcaraz for the first time since his heartbreaking five-set defeat in the Roland Garros championship match, produced an impressive one-hour, 57-minute performance to outclass his rival and guarantee he will end the year as No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

“He beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy that I got this one,” reflected Zverev after his triumph. “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.”

“It’s been three fantastic matches,” said Zverev. “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.”

With his victory, Zverev ensured a first-place finish in John Newcombe Group and set a semi-final clash against fifth seed Taylor Fritz, while it left Alcaraz on the brink of elimination from the prestigious season finale. There remains a scenario where the Spaniard could progress via percentage of games won, but only if Andrey Rublev defeats Casper Ruud in straight sets on Friday evening.