Alcaraz and Zverev Secure Victories in ATP Finals Opener

In the highly anticipated opening of the ATP Finals, top seed Carlos Alcaraz and two-time champion Alexander Zverev showcased their skills in impressive victories. The tournament is being held in Turin, Italy, with a total prize pool of $15.5 million.

Alcaraz Triumphs Over De Minaur

Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his ATP Finals campaign on a winning note. The Spanish star defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur with a score of 7-6(5), 6-2. This victory marked Alcaraz’s first win in his opening match at the ATP Finals, breaking a previous trend where he lost in his first encounter.

De Minaur put up a strong fight, coming back from 4-1 down in the first set. He even recovered from 0-40 on his serve, managing to push the set into a tiebreak. However, Alcaraz’s aggressive style of play ultimately prevailed.

Key Match Highlights

• Alcaraz displayed resilience despite committing 19 unforced errors in the first set.
• After winning the tiebreak, he maintained a commanding lead in the second set.
• The victory is a crucial step for Alcaraz, who aims to end the year as world No. 1 for the second time.

“It was a really difficult match,” Alcaraz stated after the game. “I’m just really happy to get through this.” Following his win, he received enthusiastic applause, enhancing his confidence for the matches ahead.

Zverev Defeats Shelton

In another gripping match, Alexander Zverev overcame American player Ben Shelton. The final score was 6-3, 7-6(6). This match was significant for Shelton, marking his first appearance at the ATP Finals.

Zverev dominated much of the first set, having three service games go unchallenged. He broke Shelton twice, completing the first set in just 28 minutes.

Noteworthy Moments

• Shelton managed to force a tiebreak in the second set after initially falling behind.
• Martin led 4-0 and even served for the set at 6-3.
• Despite this, Zverev staged an impressive comeback to clinch the match.

The ATP Finals continues through November 16 at the Inalpi Arena. Players are competing for a total of 1,500 ranking points, making each match critical in the quest for the championship.