Carlos Alcaraz's debut match at the 2023 ATP Finals did not turn out as expected for the Spaniard. Alexander Zverev managed to beat the World No. 2 with a comeback, taking the first point in the tournament's Red Group: 7-6(3), 3-6, 4-6.
The match at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin was very complicated from the beginning for Alcaraz, especially considering the high level delivered by Zverev on his serve which made life impossible for the 20-year-old. In his post-match interview, the German player was very proud of his victory, making it clear that he was enjoying it much more for having achieved it against Alcaraz.
"The win is especially satisfying being him [Carlos Alcaraz]," the two-time ATP Finals champion said, "I mean, I get along with him, we don't have any problems with each other. But obviously it's nice to beat the best players in the world. He's definitely one of them. Also it's very special for me to win again on this court."
Alexander Zverev's win over Carlos Alcaraz in the first match of the ATP Finals is the third consecutive defeat for the Spaniard. It is also the second time in a row that he has lost his opening match after he was ousted from his first-round clash against Roman Safiullin in straight sets at the Paris Masters two weeks ago. The last time Alcaraz went three matches in a row without a win was in March 2021, more than two and a half years ago.