Carlos Alcaraz, ranked as the world No 2, delivered an impressive display on Friday, securing a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and earning a spot in the ATP Finals’ last four.
The 20-year-old erased any doubts about his form with a razor-sharp display in his final Red Group match to join Medvedev in the semi-finals. Third seed Medvedev, who had already qualified, also produced some stunning tennis but Alcaraz pounced to snatch decisive service breaks in each set.
Despite his opening-match loss to Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz tops the Red Group and will face the Green Group runner-up, Novak Djokovic, in a mouthwatering semi-final. The other semi-final will feature Medvedev against home favourite Jannik Sinner.
Medvedev looked the more dangerous player in the early exchanges and failed to convert break points in the fourth game. But Alcaraz, who is making his debut at the tournament, found another gear at 3-3 as he played four stupendous points to break to love. He then pounced again at 4-4 in the second set as some errors by Medvedev helped him secure the break of serve. He then completed victory in emphatic fashion.
“I had to stay strong mentally, I was struggling a little bit on serve and his return game is amazing,” Alcaraz said. “I stayed calm and strong.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic, the world No 1, will meet for the first time since he lost to the Serb in the Cincinnati final.
With only prize money at stake, Zverev beat Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4 in the final group match.
“I have to look back on the week in a positive way,” said Zverev. “I beat Alcaraz and I beat Rublev … to be back here with the top eight players in the world, winning two matches, gives me great hope. I’m as motivated as I’ve ever been for next year.”
