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World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz scored his first ATP Finals victory in Turin. Carlos met Andrey Rublev for the first time in a career in the second round-robin clash and earned a 7-5, 6-2 victory in an hour and 14 minutes, keeping his semi-final chances alive.
The Russian experienced another frustrating loss against the rivals from the top, staying competitive in the opener before losing ground with a late break of serve. It shifted the momentum to Carlos' side, and the young gun rode on that wave in set number two en route to his first victory since Beijing.
The Spaniard dropped only seven points behind the initial shot, delivering one good hold after another and keeping the pressure on the other side. World no. 2 turned 41% of the return points into three breaks from six chances, enough to seal the deal and emerge at the top.
Carlos Alcaraz took down Andrey Rublev in straight sets in Turin.
Alcaraz had the upper hand in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, taming his strokes nicely and adding 200 ATP points to his tally. They made a strong start behind the initial shot, delivering eight commanding holds for 4-4 in 24 minutes.
Rublev faced a break point in the ninth game, denying it with a service winner and holding after Alcaraz's loose forehand for 5-4. The Spaniard closed the tenth game with an ace, leveling the score at 5-5 and prolonging the action.
Andrey struggled on serve again in the 11th game, defending the first break point before Carlos seized the second after the rival's loose backhand. Alcaraz served for the opener at 6-5 and earned two set points with an ace down the T line.
The Spaniard converted the first after forcing the Russian's error, wrapping up the first set after 42 minutes and gaining a boost. Andrey squandered two game points in the second set's first game and showed frustration. Rublev sprayed a forehand error on a break point, falling behind and hitting his leg with a racquet multiple times.
The Spaniard cemented the advantage and held at 15 in game four for 3-1. Rublev saved a break point in the fifth game and saved it with a service winner, remaining within one break deficit. Carlos opened a 4-2 gap with a hold at love and served for the victory in game eight.
The young gun fired service winners and emerged at the top in style, celebrating his first ATP Finals victory.