Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for a first ATP Finals title with an impressive performance, defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets. The match took place in Turin, Italy, marking the start of the prestigious event featuring the top eight men’s players. Alcaraz overcame a challenging opening set to secure a 7-6 (5), 6-2 win against the seventh-seeded Australian.
Alcaraz Aims for Year-End No. 1 Ranking
The Spanish player, currently the top seed, is in a tight race with defending champion Jannik Sinner for the year-end No. 1 ranking. To clinch the top spot, Alcaraz needs to reach the tournament final. This victory marked his first win in an ATP Finals opener, something he acknowledged as significant.
Match Highlights
- Alcaraz won the first set through a tiebreak, overcoming an early setback.
- He initially broke De Minaur to love, leading 5-1 but encountered resistance.
- In the second set, Alcaraz regained control, dropping his serve early but winning all subsequent games.
- The match concluded with a cross-court backhand on Alcaraz’s second match point.
Other Matches and Group Dynamics
In another match, Alexander Zverev, a two-time champion, defeated American Ben Shelton, 6-3, 7-6 (6). Shelton displayed strong form but missed three set points, allowing Zverev to secure victory after 93 minutes. The ATP Finals format consists of two groups: the Jimmy Connors group, which includes Alcaraz, De Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Lorenzo Musetti; and the Bjorn Borg group featuring Sinner, Zverev, Shelton, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Alcaraz Reflects on His Performance
After the match, Alcaraz expressed pride in his performance. He stated, “This tournament is one of the best on tour, highlighting its difficulty and importance. I’ve struggled in previous years with motivation at this point, but this year feels different.” His determination to perform well is evident as he aims for his first title at the ATP Finals.
