Carlos Alcaraz had his drop shot working and overcame physical issues to claim a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals.

Taylor Fritz, the U.S. Open finalist who lost to Sinner in New York, was also drawn in the Italian’s group alongside Australian Alex De Minaur, making his ATP Tour Finals debut; Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, who qualified as world No. 9 after Novak Djokovic withdrew, rounded out the second group.

The ATP has listed various scenarios that could help Alcaraz qualify for the final four. The most intriguing one is that if Alcaraz defeats Zverev in straight sets and Ruud beats Rublev in three sets, the Spaniard would win the group and Zverev would finish second.