Alexander Zverev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in stunning fashion to advance to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in Turin on Friday.
The world number two claimed his third successive win with a lung-busting performance, beating Alcaraz 7-6 6-4 to top John Newcombe’s group.
His win set up Zverev for a semifinal match against fifth seed Taylor Fritz, which left Alcaraz at risk of elimination in the prestigious season finale.
There remains a scenario in which the Spaniard could advance through the percentage of games won, but only if Andrey Rublev beats Casper Ruud in straight sets.
Zverev was asked in an on-court interview whether he had played the best tennis of his life.
The German said: “You have to relax a bit. It was three fantastic games. Obviously I’m happy to have won the group 3-0, but now the semi-finals are going to be very difficult, no matter who I’m against.”
“Taylor beat me the last few times we played at a slam, but I’m looking forward to that match.
“Carlos has beaten me in so many important games this year, so I’m happy to get this win. We have a pretty good rivalry, but we also have a good friendship.
“It’s always nice to share the court with him.”
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Alcaraz was surprised after losing the opening set to Zverev.
Alcaraz again wore a pink nose strip after struggling with breathing issues during his illness in Turin and his loss to Ruud.
He was under extreme pressure on serve in the opening set and saved seven break points, including set point 5-6.
Zverev equalized for a 5-2 lead but ultimately missed the finish line, leaving Alcaraz to throw in the towel in frustration.
The German then forced a first break of serve to start the second set and Alcaraz found no way back.
Zverev won 73% of his points on serve and struck 29 winners in a match that lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes to take a 6-5 lead over Alcaraz.
It was revenge against Zverev, who lost to Alcaraz in five sets in the finals of this year’s French Open.
Zverev: Stayed calm even when it mattered
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Zverev described his thriller against Alcaraz as a ‘high-class match’ but did not believe he had played his best tennis after booking a semi-final spot in the ATP Finals.
“It was a really high-quality match today. I think there were a lot of highlights for both of us, especially in the tie-break and the final match,” said the German. Sky Sports’ Tim Henman.
“I am satisfied with the composure that allowed me to keep my cool and finish even in critical moments.
“I’m looking forward to the semifinals tomorrow where I play Taylor (Fritz), who beat me twice last time at Wimbledon and the US Open. He beat me in some big matches.”
‘Zverev’s world-class performance’
Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss Zverev’s stunning win over Alcaraz.
“What he just put there was a pretty world-class performance,” he said. Laura Robson.
“The way he played was very impressive. He was very aggressive, he knew what to do and he had to take his game to Carlos. He couldn’t play passive tennis.
“He was able to do that at a very important moment in this match. He just believed in himself.”
Henman: Zverev is playing great!
“He’s playing really well. His serve is unbelievable. 80% of his first serves are successful,” said Henman, a six-time Grand Slam semifinalist.
“Before, if you got over 60 you would have thought you had good service. He’s also more aggressive at the back of the court.
“I used to say he was a bit one-dimensional, hitting big serves and playing from the baseline, but now when he gets the chance to cut angles and move forward, he takes it.”
“He is very well prepared for this semi-final (against Fritz).”
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Zverev is holding on to Germany’s great players
What’s happening in the ATP Finals on Sky Sports Tennis on Saturday?
Home favorite Jannik Sinner will be targeting a place in Sunday’s final
- On the day of the semi-finals in Turin, Alexander Zverev lost his third straight match against American Taylor Fritz (before 1.30pm GMT).
- World No. 1 Jannik Sinner takes on either Casper Ruud or Andrey Rublev (no earlier than 7:30 p.m.).
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app. This will give Sky Sports customers access to over 50% more live sport at no additional cost this year. Find out more here.
