Carlos Alcaraz did not open the ATP Finals with the breakthrough performance many expected. The Murcian tennis player, making his first appearance at the season finale, fell to Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3) 6-3 6-4. It was not his best showing. Alcaraz entered the Alpitour court with the focused, anxious expression of a debutant and has posted weaker results in recent months, winning just five games across three matches since the US Open.
The tension was evident in the opening set. The young Spaniard started without his usual spark and found it hard to grab the first break, trailing 1-2. Zverev kept the pace tight, but Alcaraz could not capitalize on the German’s visible indecision.
The German broke back to level 3-3 and then seized momentum with a 0-40 surge to reclaim control. Alcaraz pounced on the opportunity to regain rhythm, smiling more on court and believing in himself. He delivered a surge of large, clean points and raised his fist after several strong exchanges. The Spaniard moved into the final stretch of the set with determination, and strong serves from both sides forced a decisive tiebreak, where Alcaraz played with more authority and efficiency.
A stable service
Zverev returned with clean, assertive play in the second set. Alcaraz ceded an early break in the opening minutes, 0-2, and the German’s serve kept him ahead. He struck 7 aces and converted 90 percent of his first serves, blasting serves over 212 km/h and winning several key rallies on serve, adding 10 winners and just one unforced error.
Alcaraz was unable to answer the German’s heavy artillery as the pace continued into the third set. The Spaniard faced a sprained left ankle during the late stages, a reminder of prior injuries from last year at Roland Garros and a recent setback that had forced him to miss parts of the season. Zverev had already earned a break at 2-3, and he defended his lead through the late nerves. He closed out the match on his first match ball after two hours and thirty-four minutes, saving a late 30-40 with an ace and two solid first serves.
With the result, Alcaraz must now chase a victory to keep alive his high aim of reaching the semi finals. He will face the loser of the Russians duel Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, scheduled for Tuesday evening at 21:00 local time, as announced on Movistar coverage.
Djokovic celebrates No. 1
Before Alcaraz could take the court, Novak Djokovic accepted the No. 1 world ranking proudly in the spotlight. His sustained excellence has seen him solidify his place atop the rankings, extending a remarkable tenure at the top. Djokovic’s current run includes a record 400 weeks as world No. 1 and a string of titles that reinforce his status, following a dramatic fight the day prior against Holger Rune that ended 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3 after more than three hours on court.
Djokovic, now 36, has finished as the year end No. 1 in multiple major events. He has clinched titles at the Australian Open, the French Open, the US Open, the Cincinnati Masters, and the Paris Masters. A light moment is noted from social media, joking about past coronavirus restrictions that kept him out of Miami and Indian Wells, a reminder of how far his career has traveled since the start of the season.
Djokovic now faces the ongoing challenge of concluding the year with a new title at the Nitto ATP Finals. If successful, it would mark a seventh title at the event and add another record to his illustrious career, a fresh milestone in a sport that continues to shape his legacy with enduring influence.
In the broader context, the circuit looks toward the closing weeks as Serbia and its leading players aim for further glory in the national competition and in the diverse calendar ahead, where the end of the season remains wide open for a handful of teams and individuals seeking prestige and momentum heading into the off-season.