Nitto ATP Finals Schedule and Draw Day 7: Semifinals preview and predictions

The 2024 Nitto ATP Finals semifinals are set and to the surprise of many, Carlos Alcaraz is not involved. Instead, top-ranked Jannik Sinner is in as is second-ranked Alexander Zverev. The two will be joined by Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud. Whoever wins the semis will play in the final on Sunday.

Sinner and Zverev both still have a chance at the big money at the event. The winner will get at least $2,237,200 for taking home the trophy, but an unbeaten champion will receive $4,881,500. Neither Sinner nor Zverev have yet lost, and neither has dropped a set. If they both get to the final, then one of them will win nearly $4.5 million.

Sinner has not won the ATP Finals yet, but he made the final last year when he lost to Novak Djokovic. Zverev has won the tournament twice. That includes the first year it was held in Turin, Italy in 2021. Neither is expected to have an easy time in their semifinal match, though.

What to expect in the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals semifinals

Alexander Zverev versus Taylor Fritz

Zverev would appear to be the better player as he succeeds more consistently at the things that matter most: His serve is impeccable, he moves around the court well, and he has turned into an excellent returner. Fritz might be in his head, though. The American leads the all-time head-to-head 6-5 and has won four of the last five meetings. Confidence will certainly not be an issue for Fritz.

The match will likely come down to how well Fritz can return Zverev's serve. The German has faced just one break point (and he wasn't broken) in his last 39 sets. If he continues that run, he will beat Fritz in straight sets. That's the guess here at what will happen.

Jannik Sinner versus Casper Ruud

Ruud and Sinner have only played twice before and not at all since 2021. The Italian has certainly grown his game since then. He is also the better hard-court player of the two, so while Ruud might stand a chance if the event were played on clay, he is unlikely to challenge Sinner on the hard courts of Turin.

Sinner will win in straight sets, frustrating the Norwegian with his return of serve and being able to chase down nearly every ball hit his way. Ruud will be broken three times.

Nitto ATP Finals semifinals details:

• Match time for Alexander Zverev versus Taylor Fritz: 8:30 am ET (2:30 pm in Turin)
• Match time for Jannik Sinner versus Casper Ruud: 2:30 pm ET (8:30 pm in Turin)
• How to watch: Tennis Channel

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