TURIN, Italy (Reuters)

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.

German Zverev came into the contest as the group leader with two victories from two matches — against Rublev and Ruud – but needed to win at least one set against Alcaraz to book his place in the semis.

In a tight opening set momentum swung back and forth before German second seed Zverev came out on top in the tiebreak. He then built a 3-1 lead in the second set before surviving a late Alcaraz fightback.

The result handed Zverev a 6-5 lead in his meetings with Alcaraz. It was the world number two’s 69th win of the season, the most victories in one season since three-times major winner Andy Murray (78) in 2016.

“He (Alcaraz) beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy that I got this one,” Zverev said.

“Obviously I feel like we have a pretty good rivalry with a great friendship as well, so it’s always nice to play against him… Just sharing the court with him. He’s a great guy and I’m looking forward to the next matches with him as well.

“It’s been three fantastic matches. I’m happy with being 3-0 in the group for sure, but I think now the semi-final is going to be very difficult. (Taylor) beat me the past few times at the slams, so I’m looking forward to that match.”

The victory was even sweeter for Zverev as he had come off second best in the French Open final against Alcaraz in June.

Second seed Zverev topped the John Newcombe Group and he will next face U.S. Open finalist Taylor Fritz.

Since reaching his first semi-final at the ATP Finals in 2018, only record 24-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic (five) has made it to the semis of the tournament more than the 27-year-old German, who has booked his place four times.

Alcaraz, who picked up his first win at this year’s ATP Finals when he beat Rublev in straight sets on Wednesday, again wore pink nasal tape, having suffered with respiratory issues in recent days.

World number seven Ruud, runner-up in 2022, withstood some big hitting from Rublev’s ferocious forehand and sealed the win with an ace.

“I knew coming into this match that a set was enough to qualify, so I was a bit nervous at the start. So when I got that first set I could breathe out a little,” Rudd said.

He will face world number one Jannik Sinner for a place in the final.