Alcaraz dreaming of ATP Finals triumph as ‘best player’ Djokovic awaits in semis | Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz has won the ATP Finals after setting up a semi-final with Novak Djokovic with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev on Friday.
Alcaraz came into his Finals debut struggling with form and injury but has improved as the tournament has progressed and is now a major threat in the semi-finals, where the four players best in the world.
“Well, it’s only two matches, but at the same time it’s too far away. I have Novak in the semi-final. If I win that match, I’ll have a very tough final,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“I’m dreaming about winning this tournament. Why not? But I have to play my best in the semi-final.”
Alcaraz needed to win the world number two to secure a place in the last four, and he did so in style, cruising to victory against Medvedev who had looked impressive in his previous two wins in Turin.
The straight-sets win secured him first place in the Red Group ahead of Medvedev, regardless of the late match result of Alexander Zverev’s 6-4, 6-4 win over Andrey Rublev.
Alcaraz also got a little revenge by winning the US Open semi-final against Medvedev, who finishes second in the group after qualifying for the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Alcaraz has an increased rivalry with Djokovic as the Spaniard is already a two-time Grand Slam champion at the age of 20 and won an epic five-set Wimbledon final against the world number one.
His semi-final match with Djokovic, who defeated Alcaraz on his way to victory at Roland Garros and the final at Cincinnati, is certain to be on Saturday.
“Novak is Novak, he’s the best player in the world right now, he’s just lost six matches this year so that means he’s incredible. I’m going to give my best tennis,” said Alcaraz.
Djokovic already holds the top spot in the world rankings at the end of the year and is looking to win a seventh Finals after finishing second in the Green Group.
Medvedev, the 2020 Finals champion, will now face home hope Jannik Sinner, who became the first ever Italian to reach the semi-finals of the tournament on Thursday.
“First of all, at this moment he is at the top of his game… He can do everything,” Medvedev said.
“Here he played incredible, but he still lost two sets. That’s what I’m going to try: try to play like guys who won the set from him.
“I need to be sure of my best and my best today, tomorrow.”
The Russians have faced sinners in four finals this season, sharing two wins each but prevailing in the most important one, at the Miami Masters back in April.
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