Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic should have shared a group at the ATP Finals. However, Novak withdrew from Turin, propelling Lorenzo Musetti into the spotlight after beating him in the Athens final.
Carlos had nothing against that scenario, highlightingNovak's experience at this tournament and admitting he would rather face Lorenzo. In addition, the Spaniard recalled his 2023 semi-final clash against the Serb.
Despite not playing a bad match, the young gun suffered a 6-3, 6-2 defeat in an hour and 28 minutes. He acknowledged Djokovic's incredible level and honestly admitted he killed him on the court.
It was the duel between the world's best players, but only one presented his A-game. The veteran outplayed the young gun on serve and return, sailing into his ninth ATP Finals title match.
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Alcaraz landed in 84% of the first serve and got nothing from that. He suffered three breaks and finished his campaign in the semi-final. Djokovic denied four break points and kept his initial shot intact.
Carlos fired more winners and unforced errors. He struggled from the baseline after failing to follow the legend's pace. The 20-year-old landed a backhand down the line winner in the first game of the match for two break points.
Novak saved them after the rival's mistakes and held with an ace. They served well in the upcoming games, and the Serb overcame two deuces in the fifth game, closing it with a service winner for 3-2.
The Spaniard secured another fine hold in the sixth game, but it all changed at 3-4. He sprayed backhand errors and suffered a break that sent him 5-3 down.
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Djokovic served for the set in game nine and held at love with an ace, closing the opener in 40 minutes and gaining a boost. Alcaraz experienced a setback at 1-1 in the second set.
He wasted game points and got broken to find himself a set and a break down. The veteran held at 15 in the next one and earned another break point at 3-1. The young gun saved it and held, remaining within one break deficit.
Carlos made a push on the return in the sixth game and hit a volley winner for two break points. Novak saved them with winners and painted two more to bring the game home and forge a 4-2 advantage.
Djokovic secured another break in the seventh game, converting the third chance after the rival's loose forehand. Thus, he served for the win at 5-2 and held at 15 to seal the deal and provide a notable victory.
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The two great rivals will not embrace another duel in Turin this week. Novak decided to skip the elite event after winning the title in Athens, dealing with an ongoing shoulder injury.
On the other hand, Alcaraz made a winning start, beating Alex de Minaur in straight sets. The Spaniard will chase his first big run at this event? Will he reach the anticipated Jannik Sinner clash?
We will find out in a couple of days.
"I'm not going to lie, I prefer Lorenzo over Novak in the group. It's always difficult to face Novak at the ATP Finals due to his experience and incredible indoor game. I lost to him in the semi-final two years ago.
I played well, and he killed me," Carlos Alcaraz said.
