Nitto ATP Finals News: Alexander Zverev puts Carlos Alcaraz on brink of disaster

Heading into the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner might have been seen as the favorites. It was almost easy to forget Alexander Zverev had a chance, too. After all, the German had won the event twice before. He is also No. 2 on the ATP tour, only trailing Sinner.

Zverev has also reached a ridiculous point with his serve. Through his match with Alcaraz on Friday, the German had only faced break point once in his last 39 sets. He has the ability to control a match with his serve alone, but he also has become an elite returner who can move around the court exceedingly well.

This was the case against Alcaraz as Zverev was able to win the first set in a tie-break and then got a break relatively early in the second set against Alcaraz and that was seemingly all Zverev was going to need to take the match and move on to the semifinals at the ATP Finals. In the end, Zverev beat Alcaraz 7-6(5) 6-4.

Alexander Zverev defeats Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals

Now, Alcaraz needs help to make the semis. He is unlikely to get it either. The Spaniard has gone 1-2 in Turin, and the only way he can make the semifinals and finish second in his group is if Andrey Rublev defeats Casper Ruud in straight sets later on Friday. Rublev has yet to win a set at the ATP Finals. Plus, Ruud needs to win just a set to move into the semis so he will be highly motivated.

Alcaraz might be ready to be done in Turin, though. He has battled an illness for more than a week and his forehand was giving him issues as well. He might simply need some time to reset in time for the Davis Cup at the end of November. There, he will play alongside Rafael Nadal in Nadal's final event as a professional.

Zverev is a real threat to win the ATP Finals once again. He and Sinner have yet to drop a match and both have a chance to get the $4.4 million that would go to an undefeated champion. There is no greater motivating factor for a professional tennis player than having a chance at a huge payday.

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