Alexander Zverev sensationally defeated Carlos Alcaraz to book a place in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in Turin on Friday.
The world number two produced a dominant performance to record his third consecutive win as he defeated Alcaraz 7-6 6-4 to top the John Newcombe Group.
With his win, Zverev prepares for a semi-final match against fifth seed Taylor Fritz, while it left Alcaraz on the brink of elimination from the prestigious season finale.
There remains a scenario where the Spaniard could progress based on percentage of games won, but only if Andrey Rublev beats Casper Ruud in straight sets.
During an on-court interview, Zverev was asked if he was playing the best tennis of his life.
The German said: “You guys need to relax a bit. There have been three great matches, I’m obviously happy with the 3-0 in the group, but the semi-finals are going to be very difficult now – no it doesn’t matter. What am I against?
“The last time we played at a Slam, Taylor beat me, but I’m looking forward to that match.
“Carlos has beaten me many times in important matches this year, so I’m glad I got this match. We have a great rivalry, but also a good friendship.”
“It’s always nice to share the court with him.”
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Alcaraz was in shock after losing the opening set to Zverev
Alcaraz again wore a pink bandage on his nose after becoming ill in Turin and struggling with breathing problems in his early loss to Roode.
It was a measure of revenge for Zverev, who was defeated by Alcaraz in five sets in this year’s French Open final.
‘Zverev’s world class performance’
Sky Sports’ Laura Robson said, “That was quite a world-class performance he’s just put in.”,
“The way he is playing is very impressive. He is very aggressive, he knew what needed to be done, he had to take his game to Carlos – he could not play passive tennis.
“He was able to do that in key moments in this match. He just trusted himself.”
tale of the tape
Zverev is catching the German greats
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