Carlos Alcaraz was the big name missing when the last two semifinal spots were filled at the ATP Finals on Friday. Alcaraz's 7-6 (5), 6-4 loss to Alexander Zverev meant the French Open and Wimbledon champion — who has been sick this week — was eliminated from the elite,

During the past two years, Alcaraz has the advantage over Zverev, 4-2 in six head-to-head matchups. Their last one, at the Roland Garros on June 9, 2024, went to Alcaraz 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz had his drop shot working and overcame physical issues to claim a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals.

Alexander Zverev surged into the semi-finals of the ATP Finals after eliminating French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz with a 7-6(5) 6-4 defeat, while Casper Ruud also advanced with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 win over Andrey Rublev on Friday.

Alcaraz's recent struggles on fast hard courts are a welcome reminder that he has plenty of runway to improve.

Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud will round out the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals after each won Friday to win their groups in Turin, Italy. Zverev, who hails from Germany, dispatched Carlos Alcaraz of Spain 7-6 (5) and 6-4.

The German has been the form player of the week in Turin along with Jannik Sinner and he posted a statement victory.

Carlos Alcaraz turns attention to Rafael Nadal farewell after ATP Finals exit - Alcaraz exited in the group stage after losing 7-6 (5) 6-4 to Alexander Zverev.