TURIN, Italy: Carlos Alcaraz, at 20, has won two Grand Slam titles and finished last season as No. 1, solidifying his place among the world’s elite.
However, his debut at the season-ending event for the year’s top eight players did not go as planned.
After missing last year’s edition due to injury, Alexander Zverev won his match against Alcaraz, serving 16 aces to Alcaraz’s 11 and saving five of six break points.
Zverev never let Alcaraz feel in control, and despite a late scare, he quickly recovered and won the match.
Zverev faced a minor injury scare but quickly recovered and won the match.
“I didn’t twist my ankle. I just kind of slipped,” Zverev said.
Zverev responded with an ace down the T when faced with a break point, ultimately winning the match.
Zverev is also dealing with off-court issues, disputing allegations of causing bodily harm to a woman.
Alcaraz still has a chance to advance from the round robin format, with the top two finishers in each group reaching the semifinals.
In the red group, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev were set to play their opening match.
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner won their opening matches in the green group on Sunday.
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AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis