The group stages of the ATP Finals are well underway with Carlos Alcaraz already at risk of an early elimination after his surprise defeat to Alexander Zverev. The world No 2 took the opening set, but couldn’t see out the match as Zverev impressively fought back.
It’s the first time since March 2021 that Alcaraz has lost three matches in a row and he now must beat Andrey Rublev to give himself a chance of making it through to the knockout stages. The Green Group play today with Stefanos Tsitsipas first up against Holger Rune before Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz backs Djokovic complaint
Carlos Alcaraz has joined the fight to get ATP Tour bosses to stop changing the balls used at different tournaments after he lost to Alexander Zverev on his ATP Finals debut.
Novak Djokovic admitted last month that he held talks with the sport’s governing body as a voice for the players angered by the different balls used on tour.
Alcaraz is the latest to speak out, insisting the ATP have to do something to help stop its best players suffering injuries.
He said: “They should do something, because it is incredible that in three or four tournaments in a row, each one has a different ball.
“I think each tour should have the same ball. In Australia, the same ball. In South America, the same ball. Don’t change it every tournament. I think if I’m not mistaken we have played with 20 or 21 different balls throughout the year. It is crazy.
“There are many players injured by this. If ATP wants to have the best in every tournament, they should change this or they will all be injured.”
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live blog from the ATP Finals as the players get ready for their second group matches.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune are up first in the Green Group before Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout!
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