ATP Finals: Carlos Alcaraz loses against Alexander Zverev and must wait for a miracle from Rublev
ATP
The last match of the group stage of the ATP Finals 2024 pitted Carlos Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard had to beat the German to have a better chance of advancing to the semifinals, although with any result he would have to wait for the outcome of tonight's match between Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev.
Of all the possible results, the worst one has been the worst. Zverev has beaten Alcaraz in two sets: 7-6, 6-4, and now Carlitos will have to wait for Rublev to also defeat Ruud in 2 sets, and hope that the tiebreaker of games won/lost in total is in his favor between him, the Russian and the Norwegian.
Zverev qualifies for semis in the first set
In the first set, things started very complicated for Alcaraz. The Spaniard faced 3 break balls with 2-1 for Zverev. Even so, Carlitos turned them all around, and was able to make it 2-2. Despite his difficult start, Alcaraz was feeling better and better as the set progressed.
With 5-4 against, he got a game in white to enter the decisive phase of the set at 5-5. Everything pointed to the tie break, and although Zverev had a set ball on Alcaraz's serve at 6-5, Carlitos forced the tie break.
However, in the tie break the German was to prove far superior to the Spaniard. With 3-2 in his favor, Zverev gave him two mini breaks that left him 5-2 and serving. Despite Carlitos' comeback attempt, Zverev took the tie break by 7-5, which gave him the pass to the semifinals regardless of what happened in the rest of the match.
In the second set, things got even more difficult for Carlitos. In the first game he already suffered a break that Zverev confirmed to take a 2-0 lead. With 3-2 in favor of the German, Alcaraz had two break balls to tie the set. However, Zverev saved both to go 4-2 up;
Carlitos stayed in the match by winning his serve to cut it to 4-3. An empty set left Alexander Zverev 5-3, very close to victory. Although Alcaraz won one more game, the German closed the match and the win by 6-4 in the second set.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- 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
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
