Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev began their ATP Finals campaigns with straight‑sets victories, setting the tone for a thrilling tournament in Turin. (Image Credit: X/ @UniversTennis,@hxqurl)
Carlos Alcaraz opened his campaign at the 2025 ATP Finals in Turin by defeating Alex de Minaur 7 6(7/5), 6 2 to finally win an opening round match at this tournament after back-to-back first-match losses.
In the first set, Alcaraz raced to 4-1, then allowed de Minaur to battle back and force a tiebreak. Once in the tiebreaker, Alcaraz seized control and carried that momentum into the second set, breaking serve twice in the second to take a comfortable lead and wrap up the match.
“This year is a little bit different … I'm doing the right things to give myself a shot to try and win this tournament,” Alcaraz said after the match, underlining his fresh commitment to the season ending event.
Beyond this first victory, Alcaraz is targeting a first ATP Finals title and also a finish as year-end world number one. He is in the Jimmy Connors Group alongside de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Lorenzo Musetti. A good start gives him more chances to achieve both.
Alexander Zverev, a two time ATP Finals champion in 2018 and 2021 respectively, started out impressively as he defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(8/6) in 93 minutes. He showed solid form despite coming into the match after an injury to his ankle.
Zverev didn't face a break point in the match and dominated Shelton's second serve, winning a majority of those points. He also saved three set points against Shelton in the second set tiebreak, before closing out confidently.
Competing in the Björn Borg Group alongside Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger Aliassime, Zverev's opening win sets a strong tone for his push at a third title at this event.
He keeps an unbeaten head-to-head record over Shelton, adding confidence and momentum to his run. Considering his experience in Turin, Zverev will be one to watch.
With the round-robin format at the ATP Finals, every match carries immense weight. An early win gives a cushion to fall back on and makes qualification for the semifinals more achievable.
For Alcaraz, finally winning his opener removes a psychological burden, while for Zverev, it confirms his form and intent.
He will encounter either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti, hoping to carry on with his momentum. Zverev needs to maintain his consistency in the Björn Borg Group as he looks to evade the early shocks. Both competitors have shown signs of meaning business this week - setting the stage for a great ATP Finals.
Alcaraz and Zverev sent out clear messages on Day 1 of the ATP Finals that they are primed and ready. As the week progresses in Turin, fans are in store for elite tennis and possibly a classic battle at the top with these and other contenders.
