Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev make winning starts at ATP Finals

Alcaraz began his quest for a first ATP Finals crown - and the year-end world No. 1 ranking - with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 win over Alex de Minaur on Sunday in Turin. It was the Spaniard's first opening-match victory at the season-ending event, following early defeats in previous editions.

Alcaraz surged to a 4-1 lead in the first set before De Minaur fought back to force a tiebreak, where the Australian led 5-3. But the top seed rallied for four straight points and took control from there, sealing the win after an hour and 40 minutes.

"This tournament is one of the best on tour," Alcaraz said. "In the past few years I've struggled to finish the season with motivation, but this year is different. I'm proud of how I've handled things and given myself a chance to win this tournament."

The victory also boosts Alcaraz's bid to reclaim the year-end No. 1 spot from Jannik Sinner - he will secure it by reaching the final. His Jimmy Connors Group also includes Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti, who replaced the injured Novak Djokovic.

In the Bjorn Borg Group, two-time champion Alexander Zverev battled past ATP Finals debutant Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). The German dominated on serve, winning 81 percent of first-serve points and never facing a break point. After taking the opener comfortably, Zverev trailed 6-3 in the second-set tiebreak before saving three set points and closing out the match after 93 minutes.

"In the tiebreak, Ben started off amazing," said Zverev. "I just tried to control what I could, stayed calm, and I'm super happy with that win."

Zverev, chasing a third title after triumphs in 2018 and 2021, joins a group also featuring Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime. 

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