ATP Finals: Alcaraz sails into semis on debut, sets showdown with Djokovic

TURIN — World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz finished on top of the Red Group after a 6-4, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev on Friday, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash with six-time champion Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals.

All four of the world's top-ranked players have advanced from the group stage. Medvedev, the 2020 champion, is set to face Italian contender Jannik Sinner in the other semifinal match.

Notably, the 20-year-old Alcaraz, who is making his ATP Finals debut, has become the youngest ATP Finals semifinalist since Rafael Nadal in 2006.

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Interestingly, Nadal marked his ATP Finals debut as world No.2 at the age of 20 in 2006.

Alcaraz and Medvedev delivered an exhibition of high-quality shot-making at a packed Pala Alpitour in Turin. The Spaniard showcased increased aggression, pushing forward to gain an edge against the World No. 3.

A pivotal moment came when Alcaraz reeled off seven consecutive points in the first set, breaking Medvedev’s serve to love at 3-3. Alcaraz, who is making his Nitto ATP Finals debut, played with variety, often mixing in serve-and-volleys and drop shots to counter Medvedev’s deep court positioning, reports ATP tour.

Alcaraz improves to 3-2 against Medvedev in their ATP Head-to-Head series, with the Spaniard’s trio of victories all coming in 2023.

Also read: ATP Finals: Perfect Sinner tops group, helps Djokovic into semis