Alexander Zverev’s win streak intact as he downs under-par Carlos Alcaraz

As the 2024 tennis season comes to an end this week with the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Alexander Zverev has been on an incredible eight-match winning streak.

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After clinching the title in Paris just two weeks ago, he shows no signs of season-end fatigue, after progressing to beat Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and today, Carlos Alcaraz.

But today wasn’t easy sailing.

In an aggressive opening set, Zverev had a set point on Alcaraz’s serve, but Alcaraz held to force a tiebreak, which was eventually won by Zverev.

It was Zverev’s formidable serving, no doubt favoured by the fast indoor conditions at the Inalpi Arena, that helped him out.

He served nine aces, versus Alcaraz’s six, with a 73% win percentage on his first serve, versus Alcaraz’s 67%.

Zverev has had a strong tournament thus far, having only had to face two break points.

In addition to the excellent serving, his volleying was particularly impressive.

Asked at the post-match press conference whether this was brother Mischa’s influence, he replied that he wasn’t volleying like his brother yet but hoped to improve it for next year.

Despite today’s loss, Alcaraz’s performance this week has been remarkable considering that the Spaniard has been hindered by illness.

Coughing and blowing his nose during post-match press conferences, he spoke of his physical struggles this week.

Mental fatigue

Asked how he planned to lessen the mental fatigue and make next year’s season end more enjoyable, he replied that it hadn’t been easy due to travelling and missing home, but acknowledged that it was a privilege to be able to pay more tournaments and matches, adding that, “next year I will try to be better on that part”.

Next week, Alcaraz will represent his country, Spain, in the Davis Cup Finals.

He spoke of the privilege of teaming up with Rafael Nadal for Nadal’s last professional tournament before retirement.

“It is one of the most special tournaments that I’m going to play. Last tournament of Rafa, I’ll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him…

“This year we have a really special chance to win it.

“I will try to help the team to win the Davis Cup for me. But I think it’s most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title.

“It’s going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me”.

There is no doubt in Zverev’s hunger for that much-desired grand slam.

“It’s no secret, I’m searching for that Grand Slam title. I’m searching for world No 1.

“I’m searching for the Grand Slams. If it’s not Roland Garros, but it’s Australia, I’ll sign the paper right now, to be honest.

Of course, it would be special if it’s Paris. If it’s anywhere else, I would be just as happy”.

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, that elusive slam may be imminent.

Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin