Carlos Alcaraz had his drop shot working and overcame physical issues to claim a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals.

Taylor Fritz, the U.S. Open finalist who lost to Sinner in New York, was also drawn in the Italian’s group alongside Australian Alex De Minaur, making his ATP Tour Finals debut; Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, who qualified as world No. 9 after Novak Djokovic withdrew, rounded out the second group.

During the past two years, Alcaraz has the advantage over Zverev, 4-2 in six head-to-head matchups. Their last one, at the Roland Garros on June 9, 2024, went to Alcaraz 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.