Two more semifinal spots will be up for grabs on Friday at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. As many as 10 possible scenarios have been drawn up for qualifying. Alexander Zverev is best positioned to win the group but he will most likely need to defeat Carlos Alcaraz to be absolutely certain. The primetime match will involve Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev who can also determine the fate of the group. So, who will be victorious?
ATP Finals Day 6 Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Rublev 5-2 Ruud
Ruud and Rublev were among the last group of players to qualify for the ATP Finals. The Russian has lost two group matches, but remarkably, remains in contention to qualify. Only once in four previous visits to this tournament was he successful in getting out of the group. Rublev will need a minor miracle on Friday. He must beat Ruud in straight sets and pray for a Zverev win in straight sets (will come down to % of games won between Rublev, Ruud and Alcaraz).
Ruud has tightened up his indoor skillset this week with a massive win over Alcaraz and almost stretching Zverev to three sets. Still, it is Rublev’s ability to hit through this fast court that will always make him the favorite in this matchup.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev
Head-t0-head: Alcaraz 5-5 Zverev
It is a rivalry that has the potential to set the storyline for next season. Alcaraz and Zverev played in three high-stakes matches this year and it is the Spaniard who has a narrow 2-1 lead in their 2024 meetings. The most notable was the French Open final when Alcaraz fought back from two-sets-to-one down to win in five sets and deny Zverev his first Major.
The setting and overall feeling is a lot different now. Zverev is the man who is purring this autumn and enjoying his best run of form indoors. Now on a seven-match win streak after victories over Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud in the group stage. Of the 10 possible qualification scenarios, only one can potentially eliminate Zverev (if he loses in straight sets and Ruud beats Rublev with the same result). The German has brought that tidy first-strike tennis in Turin. It’s been a masterclass of execution and instinctive tennis with each match. That effortless, easy power gives him an advantage here against an opponent who has only partially recovered from illness.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
