Day 2 of the ATP Finals is set to highlight two major contenders in the John Newcombe Group, with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev primed to begin their campaigns. Alcaraz, who recently fell to No. 3 seed after Zverev’s Paris Masters victory, enters the tournament as one of the most anticipated players. Although he trails Zverev in the rankings, Alcaraz is focused on winning his first ATP Finals title.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: Alcaraz leads 4-0
Last match: 2023 Beijing quarter-finals, with Alcaraz winning 6-4, 6-2
Ruud has shown consistency throughout the season, earning him a return spot in the ATP Finals. However, he arrives in Turin under difficult circumstances, having struggled in recent matches; he was eliminated in the first rounds at both Basel and Paris and has only one win in his last seven outings. This lack of form places him at a disadvantage, especially against Alcaraz, who has historically dominated their encounters.
Reflecting on his past performance at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz noted, “Last year was a tough finish for me.” He explained that his performance was lacking toward the end of the season, motivating him to make adjustments this time. “I come here a little bit different. I approach this tournament a little differently,” he added, noting that his motivation and preparation are stronger this year. With a renewed outlook, Alcaraz is aiming to maintain a high level of play from the outset. Prediction: Alcaraz is likely to win convincingly.
Alexander Zverev vs. Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Zverev leads 6-3
Last match: 2023 ATP Finals, with Zverev winning 6-4, 6-4
After his success at the Paris Masters, Zverev enters Turin as one of the tournament favorites alongside Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. With two ATP Finals titles to his name, his powerful serve and aggressive playstyle make him a strong contender, especially against an inconsistent Rublev. Despite securing a spot in the ATP Finals, Rublev’s recent form has been lackluster, and he continues to struggle with managing his emotions on the court.
Reflecting on his 2024 season, Zverev expressed satisfaction with his progress, especially after returning from injury, saying, “Being able to compete and make Grand Slam finals, win Masters 1000 events, that is a big satisfaction to me.” Acknowledging the high level of competition, he added, “Playing one of the best eight players in the world straight off is a very difficult thing to do.” Prediction: Zverev is expected to have the upper hand against Rublev.
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