Carlos Alcaraz is the second semi-finalist at the ATP Finals. The day after Jannik Sinner booked his ticket with a two-set win over Alexander Zverev, the Spaniard just had to watch. Australian Alex de Minaur beat Taylor Fritz from the USA 7:6 (7:3), 6:3 in the afternoon game and ensured that Alcaraz secured one of the top two places in the group of four.
The disappointing Fritz, however, missed a great opportunity. For the first time he missed the semi-finals of the event, although a single set win would have been enough for him. De Minaur now has to hope for a win for Alcaraz against Lorenzo Musetti in the evening (not before 8:30 p.m.) – then he would reach the top four despite only one success in the group phase.
Alcaraz is fighting for World ranking place 1
The good news for the Australian: Alcaraz will go into the match highly motivated despite reaching the semi-finals early. Ultimately, he only needs one win to keep his big rival Sinner at bay and secure the top position in the world rankings at the end of the tennis year. A feat he last achieved in 2022. “It’s really difficult not to think about number one”said Alcaraz before the game, “This will be a big day for me.”
If, contrary to expectations, Alcaraz does not triumph against the Italian replacement Musetti, he will have another chance. Reaching the final would also be enough to achieve his goal.