TURIN:

Carlos Alcaraz made a solid start to the ATP Finals on Sunday with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 win over Alex de Minaur, while former champion got underway with a straight-sets win over Ben Shelton.

It was the first time that the Spaniard had won his opening match at the finals. He lost to Zverev and Casper Ruud in the last two years.

"This tournament is one of the best tournaments we have on tour," world number two Alcaraz said.

"I've been struggling in the past few years to come to the end of the year with motivation. This year is a little bit different, which I'm proud about (as) I'm doing the right things to give myself a shot to try and win this tournament."

It was not all plain sailing in Turin. Leading 4-1 and pressing for 5-1 in the first set, Alcaraz suffered a sudden dip, struggl

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