Alcaraz eliminated from ATP Finals; Zverev and Ruud advance

Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated from the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin after suffering a straight-set loss to Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Notably, Zverev has maintained an unbroken serve and has not dropped a set throughout the tournament. The second-seeded Zverev claimed the top position in his group by defeating Alcaraz with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, setting up a semi-final match against American Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion, had only secured one victory in his three group stage contests. His official elimination hinged on the outcome of the subsequent evening match between Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud. Alcaraz’s departure from the tournament would be sealed if Ruud managed to win just one set against the Russian, who had not yet secured a win. The Norwegian player indeed clinched his place in the semi-finals by winning the first set, ultimately triumphing with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Sixth-seeded Ruud, competing in Turin, is now set to compete against the top-seeded home favourite, Jannik Sinner, in the knockout phase. However, Zverev has emerged as a formidable contender in Italy, having won all three of his group matches in straight sets and without conceding a single break of serve. Despite his dominant performance, the 27-year-old downplayed suggestions that he is currently playing the best tennis of his career when questioned by reporters. “You guys have got to relax a little bit,” he stated following his victory over 21-year-old Alcaraz. He added, “Three fantastic matches, now the semi-finals will be very difficult. Taylor [Fritz] has beaten me a few times at the slams.” Zverev also commented on his opponent, saying, “Alcaraz has beaten me too many times this year so I’m glad to get this one. We have a great rivalry and friendship, I’m always glad to play him – unless he wins.” Zverev sustained his strong performance against Alcaraz, who has been contending with a chest complaint throughout this tournament and was again seen wearing a pink nasal strip to assist his breathing. “It has been a difficult week for me struggling with some physical problems,” Alcaraz remarked, further expressing his hope to participate in the Davis Cup finals in Malaga next week, which is also slated to be his team-mate Rafael Nadal’s final professional tournament. He acknowledged his opponent’s performance, stating, “Today I faced one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, playing really solid and great tennis.” Appearing to still be impacted by his illness, Alcaraz displayed a lack of his usual form but demonstrated resilience by saving seven break points and then two set points in the first set, before Zverev masterfully converted his third opportunity. Zverev had four break points thwarted in the fourth game of the contest. Later, while leading 6-5, he held a set point on Alcaraz’s serve but sent a cross-court forehand long after a lengthy rally. The Spanish player then forced a tie-break, where Zverev once again managed to establish a lead. Following a series of excellent shots from both players during the tie-break, including a remarkable cross-court lob from Alcaraz, Zverev ultimately prevailed to secure the set. On his third set point, the German executed a brilliant half-volleyed pick-up near the net, thwarting an attempted winner from Alcaraz. Alcaraz then sent the subsequent volley wide, prompting a celebratory roar from Zverev. While Zverev only required winning the first set to guarantee his progression to the semi-finals, he was resolute in securing the full match victory to claim the top position in the John Newcombe Group. The break in the second set occurred with greater ease, as Alcaraz hit a routine volley into the net, immediately ceding the advantage. The third seed, Alcaraz, managed to generate two break points against Zverev at 3-2, marking the first time the German had faced such a situation in the entire tournament. However, Alcaraz was unable to convert them, and Zverev subsequently closed out the match. Ruud had previously secured a comfortable victory over Alcaraz in their opening group game, benefiting from the Spaniard’s inconsistent form. However, Ruud subsequently lost to Zverev, necessitating that he win at least one set against the eighth-seeded Rublev in their final group match to guarantee his progression to the semi-finals. He achieved this feat after a closely contested opening set, celebrating with a roar that was echoed by his support team. Ruud then proceeded to win the match in three sets, resulting in Rublev’s second consecutive finals appearance ending with three losses from three matches. He is scheduled to begin his semi-final match on Saturday night as the underdog against Australian and US Open champion Sinner. “I’ll have to keep it going tomorrow – I’ll need it,” Ruud commented. He added, “Sometimes you feel if you are an underdog you can play free, and know if you bring less than your A game you will lose.” He further remarked on his upcoming opponent: “There’s no doubt Sinner is the best player in the world. Playing at home, hasn’t dropped a set – he is the player to beat. This guy almost forgot how to lose! I have to come up with something to challenge him tomorrow.”