NEW DELHI: Alexander Zverev, the two-time ATP Finals winner, secured his semi-final spot in Turin on Friday with a commanding 7-6(5) 6-4 victory over Carlos Alcaraz, leaving the Spanish champion's tournament hopes hanging by a thread.
The German, who had already defeated Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud, needed just one set against Alcaraz to advance. Meanwhile, third-seeded Alcaraz's progression now depends on Rublev defeating Ruud in straight sets later in the day.
Zverev's triumph confirmed his position atop the John Newcombe Group. The initial set proved challenging for both competitors, with neither finding their rhythm until Zverev eventually prevailed.
The German displayed impressive statistics, securing 73% of service points and delivering 29 winners during the nearly two-hour match. This victory gave him a 6-5 advantage in their head-to-head encounters.
Since his first ATP Finals semi-final appearance in 2018, Zverev has reached this stage four times. Only Novak Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, has achieved more semi-final appearances (five) during this period than the 27-year-old German.
