Tennis Update: Carlos Alcaraz Falls Short at ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three, has expressed his hope to make Rafael Nadal’s tennis farewell at the Davis Cup Finals a victorious one, following his exit from the ATP Finals at the group stage.
Alcaraz fell to Alexander Zverev in a straight-sets defeat, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, and was eliminated after losing two of his three matches in Turin. Zverev qualified for the semi-finals by taking the first set of his match against Andrey Rublev and then sweeping through the second to complete a perfect group campaign.
A Disappointing Finish
Alcaraz won Wimbledon and the French Open this season but struggled for form in northern Italy and will end his year alongside Nadal in Malaga next week. Earlier in November, Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano Lopez announced that a special ceremony would be organized for Nadal, who will bow out on home soil.
"I think it’s most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. It’s going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me," Alcaraz said.
Zverev’s Grand Slam Goal
Zverev ensured his qualification by taking the first set after more than an hour of battling tennis, before then sweeping through the second to complete a perfect group campaign. He will face Taylor Fritz in the next round on Saturday, gaining some form of revenge for his defeat to Alcaraz in this year’s French Open final.
Zverev has a bittersweet relationship with Roland Garros, having suffered an ankle injury in the 2022 semi-finals and forced to quit, allowing Nadal to reach the final and win his last Grand Slam. However, he has fought back from that injury to rise to number two in the world rankings and win two Master 1000 events this season.
Conclusion
Alcaraz’s disappointing finish at the ATP Finals brings an end to an inconsistent season. Despite his early exit, he remains hopeful about Nadal’s farewell tournament and wants to help him retire with a title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who did Carlos Alcaraz lose to in the ATP Finals?
A: Carlos Alcaraz lost to Alexander Zverev in a straight-sets defeat, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
Q: Why did Alcaraz wear pink nasal tape during his matches?
A: Alcaraz wore pink nasal tape after having problems breathing during a training session on Tuesday.
Q: Who did Zverev qualify for in the semi-finals?
A: Zverev qualified for the semi-finals against Taylor Fritz on Saturday night.