After conquering a Masters 1000 title in Paris, Alexander Zverev is eager to claim another at the ATP Finals in Turin. The two-time champion is two from two at the premium ATP event, beating Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud. World no. 2needs to win a set against world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz to qualify for the semi-final.
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Alexander defeated Casper for the second time this year, prevailing in the opener and delivering a 7-6, 6-3 victory in an hour and 26 minutes. Zverev secured his 68th ATP win of the season, remaining one ahead Jannik Sinner. The German is enjoying his best season in a career, lifting two Masters 1000 trophies and returning into the top-2.
Breaking down Alexander's performance
Both players produced a high percentage of the first serve.World no. 2 used his more efficiently, facing no break points and convertingthe only break opportunity in the second set that carried him through. In a surprising turn to his pre-Turin form, Casper is playing well at the season's final event, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and challenging the Paris Masters champion.
Zverev player tamed his strokes nicely and landed 28 winners and 16 unforced errors. Ruud added 13 direct points and ten mistakes to his tally, fighting hard but losing the edge from the baseline and in service winners.
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Zverev grabs the crucial points and wins
The rivals served well in the opening set, making no errors behind the initial shot. Alexander was on fire in the tie break, earning two mini-breaks and landing an ace for 6-1. Casper denied two set points before world no. 2 painted a forehand winner for 7-3 in 52 minutes and momentum.
The two-time ATP Finals championgathered a boost and maintainedan impeccable serving in the second set. They served well in the opening sevengames, remaining neck and neck. The Roland Garros finalist made a push on the return in the eighth game, welcoming the rival's forehand error and moving 5-3 in front.
Alexander served for the win at 5-3 andwrapped up the duel with a service winner, moving over the top and remaining perfect in Turin. The German will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final round-robin match, keeping everything in his hands in the semi-final scenarios.
"It was a good match. We both played quite well. I'm happy with my victory. I played well in the first match, but I think this one went even better. I'm looking forward to meeting Carlos on Friday," Alexander Zverev said.
