Carlos Alcaraz lost 7-6, 6-4 to Alexander Zverev in his final group stage game, as he exited the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz endured a tough week at the ATP Finals in Turin, a competition that he has yet to win in his career to date.
Alcaraz struggled with illness throughout the tournament, as the Spaniard played with a nose strip during the group stages.
The Spaniard got off to a torrid start, as Alcaraz lost to Casper Ruud in his opening match in straight sets, leaving him with a lot of work to do in his remaining matches.
His second match looked a lot better however, as Alcaraz got back to winning ways against Andrey Rublev, leaving him with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals in his final game.
The 21-year-old’s final group stage game was against Zverev, whom Alcaraz had won the French Open against earlier this year.
Unfortunately for Alcaraz, he couldn’t repeat his Roland Garros success in Turin, as he fell to the German in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz says Alexander Zverev’s serve was ‘really tough’ in ATP Finals defeat
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alcaraz revealed what makes Zverev so difficult to play against.
“It is difficult to play against a player who has a really big serve, and from the baseline is really tough, solid,” he said.
“You feel like when you’re serving, you feel an extra pressure, because he puts almost every return in, he makes you play long rallies.
“Then when you’re returning he is able to do it with four big serves, so you’re playing with extra pressure, when you play against this kind of player.
“It’s really tough, and even tougher when he has a lot of confidence.”
Alcaraz went on to explain what he felt was different about Zverev, compared to their recent matches.
“Every player has their weakness, and Zverev has a better backhand than the forehand,” said the 21-year-old.
“Today both shots were equal, so it’s really difficult to find the hole, it was really difficult to find his weakness, and playing like that, it’s really tough.”
“I faced one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, really solid and great tennis.”
Alexander Zverev takes head-to-head lead against Carlos Alcaraz
Zverev didn’t just guarantee his place in the ATP Finals last four with a win over Alcaraz, but he also took the lead in the pairs’ head-to-head.
The German now leads 6-5, having lost their previous two matches in 2024.
| Year | Winner | Tournament | Score |
| 2024 | Alexander Zverev | ATP Finals – RR | 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz | French Open – F | 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 |
| 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz | Indian Wells – QF | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2024 | Alexander Zverev | Australian Open – QF | 6-1, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 |
| 2023 | Alexander Zverev | ATP Finals – RR | 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2023 | Carlos Alcaraz | US Open – QF | 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2023 | Carlos Alcaraz | Madrid Open – R16 | 6-1, 6-2 |
| 2022 | Alexander Zverev | French Open – QF | 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 |
| 2022 | Carlos Alcaraz | Madrid Open – F | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2021 | Alexander Zverev | Vienna Open – SF | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2021 | Alexander Zverev | Acapulco Open – R32 | 6-3, 6-1 |
Asked in his post-match press conference, Alcaraz was hoping to get back on track in the new year.
“You know, hopefully in 2025, I’ll be top in the head-to-head,” he said.
Alcaraz will now begin preparations for the Davis Cup which begins on November 19, as Spain are set to face off against the Netherlands.
Zverev will continue his assault on a third ATP Finals trophy, as he plays Taylor Fritz on Saturday.
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