Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz played an intense tie-break during a practice session in Turin ahead of the ATP Finals.
The two players engaged in a 34-point tie-break during their session, with Alcaraz ultimately winning the sequence 18-16.
The eight best players of the season have gathered in Italy for the season-ending tournament. While Jannik Sinner is absent due to a right knee injury, the field remains led by top seeds Zverev and Alcaraz. The two are placed on opposite sides of the draw, meaning a competitive meeting between them can only occur in the semifinals or the final.
Despite the lack of official ranking points on the line, the practice tie-break demonstrated the intensity both players are bringing to the event. The 34-point exchange featured several high-level rallies, illustrating the competitive nature of both athletes even during non-tournament play.
The rivalry between Zverev and Alcaraz is closely contested, with the pair having faced each other 13 times in official competition. The German holds six victories, while the Spaniard has secured seven wins. Their most recent dramatic encounter occurred during the semifinals of the Australian Open. In that match, Alcaraz overcame physical struggles—including severe cramping—to win in five sets: 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), and 7-5.
He won the Roland Garros title and later added the US Open championship, defeating Shelton in the final. Alcaraz arrives in Turin following a strong run of form on indoor courts, having recently captured two consecutive titles, including the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude the professional tennis season.
Related reading
