Zverev defeats Alcaraz, joined by Ruud in Turin semifinals

Alexander Zverev completed an undefeated run through Group John Newcombe at the Nitto ATP Finals when he beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-4 on Friday afternoon.

Zverev now leads the head-to-head series with Alcaraz 6-5, but he lost his previous two matches against the Spaniard in the Indian Wells quarterfinals and the French Open final.

“He beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy that I got this one,” the German commented. “Obviously I feel like we have a pretty good rivalry with a great friendship, as well, so it’s always nice to play against him–just sharing the court with him. He’s a great guy and I’m looking forward to the next matches with him.”

Next up for Zverev is a semifinal showdown against Taylor Fritz on Saturday, while Alcaraz’s straight-set loss knocked him out of the tournament.

“It’s been three fantastic matches,” said the world No. 2, who also defeated Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud in straight sets. “I’m happy with being 3-0 in the group for sure, but I think now the semifinal is going to be very difficult. [Taylor] beat me the past few times at the slams, so I’m looking forward to that match.”

Ruud also advanced to the semis, doing so for the third time in his career. The Norwegian needed just one set against Rublev in Friday’s nightcap, but he got two. Ruud won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, improving to 2-1 for the week while send the Russian to 0-3.

“It is tough to play the best players in the world but nice because you feel you are an underdog and can play free,” Ruud noted. “You know if you don’t bring your A-plus level, you will likely lose.

“I knew coming into this match that a set was enough to qualify, so I was a bit nervous at the start. So when I got that first set I could breath out a little. I still focused on the match and finished with a good third set.”

The world No. 7 will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Saturday night.