Alcaraz, Zverev Win Opening Matches at ATP Finals 2025

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz made a strong start to his 2025 ATP Finals campaign with a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur on Sunday. The Spaniard, who had never before won his opening match at this prestigious season-ending event, displayed resilience and determination in a tight first set before taking full control in the second. The win marked a promising beginning to Alcaraz’s quest for his first ATP Finals title.

Alcaraz faced a tough challenge from De Minaur, who is known for his incredible speed and ability to return difficult shots. The Australian fought hard, recovering from a 4-1 deficit and saving three break points to push the first set into a tiebreak. Despite the setback, Alcaraz maintained his composure and edged through the tiebreak 7-5, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

The second set began with both players trading early breaks, but Alcaraz soon found his rhythm. His aggressive play and powerful forehands helped him build another 4-1 lead, and this time, De Minaur could not find a way back. Alcaraz’s confidence grew as he controlled the rallies, hitting with precision and using his court coverage to wear down his opponent.

After the match, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, praising De Minaur’s speed and consistency. “It was a really difficult match,” Alcaraz said. “On this surface, Alex makes the most of the speed of the ball. He’s super fast and really tough on return. I’m just really happy to get through this difficult challenge.” The 22-year-old Spaniard’s determination and energy were clear, as he often encouraged the crowd, feeding off their support throughout the game.

With this victory, Alcaraz moved a step closer to his goal of ending the season as the world number one for the second time in his career. To secure the top spot, he must reach the ATP Finals final with at least one round-robin win or claim all three of his group-stage victories. His main rival for the year-end No. 1 ranking, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, needs to defend his title to have a chance at overtaking Alcaraz.

In another exciting match of the day, two-time ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6) in his opening match in the Bjorn Borg Group. The German, who is known for his powerful serve and baseline strength, started strong and dominated the first set with precision and pace. Zverev broke Shelton’s serve twice and wrapped up the set in just 28 minutes.

Making his first ATP Finals appearance, Ben Shelton showed flashes of his growing talent. In the second set, he saved two early break points to stay in the contest and managed to force a tiebreak. At one point, the young American led 6-3 in the tiebreak and was serving for the set, but Zverev displayed his trademark resilience. The German made a dramatic comeback, winning three consecutive points to level and then taking the set 8-6.

Zverev’s ability to stay calm under pressure proved decisive in his victory. His experience at this level and consistent serving allowed him to handle the intense moments better than his younger opponent. The German won 85% of his first-serve points and hit 10 aces, showcasing why he remains one of the most dangerous players on the ATP Tour. His win over Shelton was a reminder of his championship pedigree, as he eyes a third ATP Finals crown.

The ATP Finals, being held at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, has once again brought together the world’s top eight players to battle for one of tennis’s most prestigious trophies. The event boasts a record prize pool of $15.5 million and offers a maximum of 1,500 ATP points to the undefeated champion. The final will take place on November 16, and every match in the group stage plays a crucial role in shaping the road to the title.

The Italian crowd in Turin will have to wait a little longer to see their home favorite, Jannik Sinner, in action. A video advertisement featuring the reigning champion drew one of the loudest cheers of the day, showing the immense excitement surrounding his matches. Sinner will begin his title defense on Monday, and fans are eager to see whether he can repeat his 2024 triumph and challenge Alcaraz for the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Sunday’s matches provided the perfect opening to this year’s ATP Finals. Both Alcaraz and Zverev demonstrated why they are considered among the best in the world, combining skill, power, and mental strength. Alcaraz’s determination to lift his first Finals trophy and Zverev’s quest for a third title promise an exciting week ahead in Turin. With Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and others yet to play, tennis fans around the globe can expect high-quality action and intense battles in the coming days.