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Carlos Alcaraz says he has entered the ATP Finals “with motivation” as he moved a step closer to the year-end world number one ranking with victory over Alex de Minaur.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 22-year-old Spaniard won his opening Jimmy Connors Group match 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 in one hour and 40 minutes in Turin, Italy.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz is making his third appearance at the season-ending tournament but has never reached the final before.<\/p>\n
He withdrew injured in 2022, lost in the semi-finals on debut a year later and failed to qualify from the group last year.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz is battling rival Jannik Sinner for the top ranking, with the Italian moving back to the top spot after his victory at the Paris Masters last week.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been struggling in the past three years to come to the end of the year with energy and motivation. This year is a little bit different,” Alcaraz said.<\/p>\n
“I’m really proud about the way I’ve been doing things to come here with motivation.<\/p>\n
“I’m really excited and looking forward to playing great tennis, and giving myself a shot to try to win this tournament.”<\/p>\n
In the Bjorn Borg Group, two-time winner Alexander Zverev produced a serving masterclass to beat American debutant Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6 (8-6).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n