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Alcaraz Wins ATP Finals Opener in Turin as Zverev Also Starts Strong

The result strengthens his year-end No. 1 bid in a field reshaped by Novak Djokovic’s late withdrawal.

Overview

  • Carlos Alcaraz beat Alex de Minaur 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the Jimmy Connors group, marking his first opening-match win at the ATP Finals.
  • Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the Bjorn Borg group to cap Day 1 with a second straight-sets victory for past champions.
  • Novak Djokovic pulled out with a shoulder injury after winning in Athens, elevating Lorenzo Musetti into the main draw; Alcaraz said he prefers facing Musetti over Djokovic.
  • For the year-end No. 1, Alcaraz can clinch by reaching the final with at least one round-robin win or by sweeping his group, while Jannik Sinner must retain the title to have a chance.
  • The Turin season finale features eight players in round-robin play for up to 1,500 ranking points and a record $15.5 million purse, with Alexander Bublik and Casper Ruud confirmed as first and second alternates.