Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are both still in with a chance of qualifying for the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin. Here are the possible scenarios in which either player could make it.
The first semi-finalists have already been confirmed at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, with Daniil Medvedev becoming the first player from Red Group to make it through after two straight-sets victories in his first and second ties. This was followed by Jannik Sinner from the Green Group who qualified after Novak Djokovic failed to win his last group stage match in straight sets.
This leaves two possible candidates to clinch the second available spot in the Red Group after Alcaraz and Zverev both won and lost one tie. The Spaniard lost his clash with the German player after a three-set battle which Zverev won 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4. However, Alcaraz came back to defeat Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2. Meanwhile, Medvedev defeated Zverev 7-6 (7), 6-4.
Which player will emerge a semi-finalist?
World No. 2 Alcaraz is perhaps in the more preferable situation right now as he has more control over his own fate. His clash with Medvedev will take place before Zverev's tie with Rublev, and he will ensure qualification as long as he defeats the third seed.
However, if Alcaraz loses, he will have to wait for the outcome of Zverev's match to decide what happens next, as he can still make it through if Rublev ousts the World No. 7. Prior to this, it will be a nervous time for Zverev as he waits to find out if his fate will be decided before he even steps onto the court.
This means that Alcaraz can also take some comfort from knowing that even if he loses, there is still a chance for him to go through on his ATP Finals debut, whereas two-time champion Zverev knows he must defeat Rublev to be in with a shot at reaching the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Rublev is already eliminated and is playing for pride at this point after two straight-sets losses.