ATP Finals: Alcaraz Kicks Off with a Win, Zverev Defeats Shelton

On November 9, 2025, the ATP Finals in Turin started its opening day, where world No.1 Alcaraz and two-time event champion Zverev both earned successful starts.

In the day’s first singles group match, top seed Alcaraz overcame seventh seed Deminal 7-6(5), 6-2, achieving his fifth straight victory against the latter. This was the Spaniard’s first group stage opening win in three appearances, having lost his initial group matches to Zverev (2023) and Ruud (2024) previously.

Alcaraz

After the match, Alcaraz said: “We are facing the world’s best players here, which shows how challenging and important this tournament is. In past years, I often lacked motivation at the season’s end, but this year is different. I am creating opportunities to win the title in the right way, and I’m proud of that.”

“This is my first opening win in three years of participation, so I’m very pleased. I believe this victory sends a very positive message to other players and to myself. I will continue to improve on the weaknesses I showed today, and I’m full of determination for the upcoming matches.”

With this win, Alcaraz took a significant step toward securing the year-end No.1 ranking. His battle with Sinner for the year-end top spot will conclude this week, and the Spaniard still needs to earn 250 more points to

claim this honor. Each group stage win awards 200 points, meaning if Alcaraz wins all three group matches, he will secure the year-end No.1 early. His next two group opponents are Fritz and Musetti.

Zverev

In the second singles group match, third seed and two-time champion Zverev defeated fifth seed Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6). In the second set tiebreak, he saved three match points and came back from a 3-6 deficit to win five straight points and close out the match. Despite being swept by Sinner in the Paris Masters semifinals due to an ankle injury, Zverev showed strong form in Turin, never facing a break point and beating first-time finalist Shelton in straight sets. This victory improved Zverev’s head-to-head record against Shelton to 5-0, with four wins coming in the 2025 season.

Zverev said after the match: "He (Shelton) is an extremely aggressive player, arguably one of the most attacking players in today’s tennis. He started the tiebreak amazingly. When he serves, he dominates the points; I only get chances when I successfully return and rally. I handled the end of the tiebreak well and am very happy with this win.”

Singles Group Standings

In doubles group matches of the Pete Fleming group, third seeds Granollers/Zeballos narrowly defeated sixth seeds Krawietz/Pütz 6-4, 4-6, 10-6, while seventh seeds Berrettini/Vavasori beat top seeds Cash/Graspo 7-5, 6-3 in straight sets.

On the second day, two home players will make their debut. First-time qualifier Musetti will face sixth seed and US No.1 Fritz, leading their head-to-head 3-2. Defending champion Sinner will play the night session against eighth seed Aliassime, who returns after three years; Sinner holds a 3-2 advantage in their meetings.

Full Schedule for November 10

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, photos by Visual China)