The group stage is all set to culminate on Day 6 of the ATP Finals 2024. All four players of the John Newcombe Group are in with a chance which makes this day an enchanting day of tennis. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both clashes scheduled for Day 6.
ATP Finals Day 6 Predictions
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev
Head to head – Alcaraz 5-5 Zverev
What a fantastic match this could be. Their head-to-head is tied at 5-5 and someone is going to take the lead this time. The equation for Alexander Zverev is simple, win and qualify. There is only one scenario in which the German is vulnerable, when both Zverev and Rublev are defeated in straight sets, but the way Zverev is playing, don’t expect him to bow out in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz came back to winning ways after dropping the opener but the Spaniard does look some steps away from his best. He would need to be at his absolute best to get the better of Zverev who is in red hot form. Keys for Alcaraz would be to serve well but on these courts his serve has been found a bit lacking as both Ruud and Rublev took big swipes at it.
Expect a topsy turvy battle as Alcaraz is expected to fight till the very end but the German has looked so assured all week that it doesn’t look likely he will drop this match.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud
Head to head – Rublev 5-2 Ruud
This is quite an interesting head to head record. Andrey Rublev does enjoy a 5-2 lead over Casper Ruud but Ruud has won both times they have played in the ATP Finals here in Turin. Both players can mathematically still make it but one is in with a significantly better chance than the other one.
There is no sure shot scenario where Rublev can qualify as he would need Alexander Zverev to win in two sets and then he would need to beat Ruud in two sets. Even then he would have to rely on percentage of games won to qualify. The good thing is these two play second so Rublev would know exactly what he needs to do in case he can qualify. Ruud on the other hand can qualify if he wins and the other group match goes into the third set. There are other scenarios in which even if Ruud loses he can qualify but the Norwegian would like a win to close his group stage.
Expect a tight battle here as both these players love attacking from the forehand wing, but Ruud’s serve has looked better this week and that could prove to be the difference. Ruud should be winning this in three sets which would put into effect a lot of mathematical combinations into play.
Predictions: Ruud in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
