TURIN/STARNBERG, November 14, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz‘s determination paid off as he battled through illness to earn his first win at this year’s Nitto ATP Finals on Wednesday, defeating Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6(8).
The third-seeded Spaniard struck 10 aces and won 84 per cent of his first-service points to succeed in one hour and 36 minutes.
Everything left to win. View from the stands inside the Inalpi arena @carlosalcaraz #NittoATPFinals https://t.co/blkq2i2OfX pic.twitter.com/x8DBTUhAP8
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 13, 2024
“I’m honestly very happy with the level I played,” said Alcaraz after his first win at this year’s season finale. “It was a very high level, despite how I’m feeling. I thought that against someone like Rublev, who hits the ball very hard and dominates from the back, that I wouldn’t feel great, but I felt better than expected, coping well with the long rallies and managing to run and play well from the baseline.
The victory keeps the four-time Grand Slam champion in contention for a spot in the semi-finals, with his path now clearly defined. Alcaraz will face Alexander Zverev on Friday in what promises to be an exciting clash, as both players vie for a place in the tournament’s final stages.
“It was a very solid match. I needed it and it gives me a lot of confidence for Friday, which will be tough. My chances of qualifying are still there, so we’re going to go all out,” Alcaraz said.
Zverev was also in action on Wednesday, as he defeated Casper Ruud from Norway 7-6(3), 6-3. The 27-year-old German didn’t face a break point and converted the only break-point chance he had on his own to prevail after one hour and 25 minutes.
On a charge @AlexZverev makes it 2 from 2 at the #NittoATPFinals with a 7-6 6-3 win over Ruud! pic.twitter.com/kcJf49ePPc
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 13, 2024
“A good match. I thought both of us played quite good tennis,” said Zverev, who improved to 2-0 in John Newcombe Group. “I’m happy with the win. Maybe it was even better than my first match, even though the first match was quite good as well. I’m looking forward to Carlos now on Friday and hopefully more matches at the weekend.”
