Alexander Zverev defeats
Casper Ruud 7-6(3), 6-3 to earn his second win at the ATP Finals. The
German extends his winning streak to seven matches, having only dropped one
set, and now leads the John Newcombe Group.
The world No. 2 hasn’t yet secured his spot in the semifinals
mathematically, though only a disaster could keep him out. In his upcoming
match against Alcaraz, he needs just one set to advance, and even if he loses
in straight sets, Ruud would need a decisive victory over Andrey Rublev to
progress.
Zverev outplays Ruud to maintain winning streak
In the first set, Ruud started aggressively, serving at a high level. The
Norwegian played assertively, with strong serving, and seemed calmer than
Zverev, who got into a couple of disputes with the chair umpire in the opening
20 minutes and appeared frustrated.
Ruud aimed to avoid cross-court backhand rallies, given Zverev's clear
superiority in those exchanges. Nevertheless, he managed to hold his service
games without posing much threat to his opponent’s. Ruud’s first serve effectiveness wasn’t enough in the crucial moments. With
no breaks throughout the set, it went to a tie-break. Zverev won a mini-break
on the first point, took a 3-0 lead, and remained dominant, eventually
clinching the set 7-6(3).
Zverev achieved an impressive 92% of points won on his first serve, compared
to Ruud's 79%. Furthermore, ‘Sascha’ was much more aggressive, hitting 19
winners to the Norwegian’s 8.
Read also
In the second set, both players maintained steady service games, with Ruud
winning 62% of his service points compared to Zverev's impressive 83%. Things
remained close until Ruud, down 3-4, committed unforced forehand errors,
allowing world No. 2 Zverev to break on his first opportunity.
In the end, Zverev claimed victory 7-6(3), 6-3 and is in a strong position to
advance to the semifinals. His final Round Robin match will be against none
other than Carlos Alcaraz. While the Spaniard had a lackluster performance in
his first match, he displayed dominance against Rublev. Alcaraz must win to
advance, while Zverev has a bit more room for error. Meanwhile, Ruud will face
Andrey Rublev and needs a solid win to stay in contention.
Zverev moves to 2-0 in the Newcombe group! 💯 #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/GT48BrxOCN
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 13, 2024
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
