Nov 16, (V7N) - Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated from the ATP Finals after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Alexander Zverev on Friday in Turin, a result that ended his hopes of advancing past the group stage. The world number three fell 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to Zverev, leaving him with no chance of progressing as a combination of results in the later matches would not save him.

Despite winning Wimbledon and the French Open this season, Alcaraz struggled for form in Turin. His departure from the Finals now sets his sights on the Davis Cup Finals next week, where he will join Rafael Nadal, who is playing his final tournament.

Earlier in November, Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano Lopez confirmed a special ceremony will be organized for Nadal's farewell, with the tennis icon retiring after an illustrious career. Alcaraz, who admires Nadal deeply, said, "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’s week in Turin had been challenging, as he dealt with breathing issues that required nasal tape during his final two matches. Despite the setbacks, Alcaraz reflected on the tournament: "It has been a difficult week... but at the same time it has been a really beautiful tournament."

Zverev’s Dominant Display

Zverev advanced to the semifinals with his 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win over Alcaraz. The German started slowly but took control of the match after a hard-fought first set that lasted over an hour. Zverev then breezed through the second set, completing a perfect group stage campaign.

Zverev’s victory was particularly sweet after Alcaraz defeated him in this year’s French Open final. However, the 27-year-old has battled back from a serious ankle injury sustained in the 2022 Roland Garros semifinals, which prevented him from challenging Nadal in the final. Zverev is aiming to win his first Grand Slam title, with Roland Garros as his main target for next season.

"Roland Garros is always marked in my calendar since the injury," Zverev said. "I'm searching for that Grand Slam title. If it's not Roland Garros, but it's Australia, I'll sign the paper right now... If it's anywhere else, I would be just as happy."

With his qualification for the semifinals, Zverev joins Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz in the last four, leaving one spot up for grabs.

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