Alexander Zverev has qualified for the semi-finals at the ATP Finals come what may while for Carlos Alcaraz, it seems like he is running out of road and towards defeat inside of a sold out arena in Turin.
Alcaraz has struggled all week and it seems nearly withdrew from the tournament due to illness. But he soldiered on and gave himself a fighting chance. Albeit it was one that depended on the result of his match against Alexander Zverev.
One that thus far has not gone his way as he is a set 7-6 and a break down and seemingly heading towards defeat while even if Zverev falls apart from here, he is through come what may.
He went 4-2 down in the set and recovered both mini breaks but Alcaraz faltered missing a seemingly easy shot to stay in it and Zverev took the set narrowly 7-6(5) to punch his ticket. This after he excelled on a similar indoor court in Paris recently so was one of the favourites for the title anyway.
Alcaraz illness aside has always struggled on the fast indoor surface and even had the court installed inside of Juan Carlos Ferrero's academy in order to gain some semblance of an edge. But it hasn't paid off.
Alcaraz let his frustrations be known. He screamed at his bench and was furious between sets. Winning in straight sets was of vital importance. If Ruud beats Rublev he advances, one set is enough also if Zverev defeats Alcaraz in straight sets.
Wow.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 15, 2024
Zverev takes the first set 7-6(5) and qualifies for the semifinals.
Alcaraz CAN’T believe he missed that last shot. pic.twitter.com/nC0fl1t98e