The result marks a significant shift in the tour landscape, as Alcaraz’s defeat confirms that Alexander Zverev will finish the year as the world No. 1. Bergs, who had previously faced Alcaraz only once on the professional circuit, dictated play throughout the contest by firing 24 winners compared to his opponent's 16. The match concluded in dramatic fashion, with Bergs sealing the win on his first match point with his ninth ace of the day.
A hard-fought victory in Shanghai
The opening set proved to be a tight affair, with Bergs gaining the crucial advantage by breaking Alcaraz to move ahead 6-5. He successfully served out the set on his fourth opportunity after Alcaraz found the net. The momentum continued into the second set, where Bergs again secured a break to lead 6-5. Although he was unable to serve out the match at the first time of asking, with Alcaraz breaking back to force a tiebreaker, the Belgian maintained his composure.
Alcaraz, fresh off a victory at the Japan Open, attempted a late rally in the tiebreaker, fighting back from a 4-2 deficit to level the score at 4-4. However, Bergs responded immediately, winning the subsequent points to set up two match points, needing only one to finalize the upset.
Elsewhere in the tournament, fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev continued his progress by defeating Dalibor Svrcina 6-2, 6-3. This victory marks Medvedev's second consecutive win following his disqualification at the China Open. Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced by overcoming Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. In another notable result, Stefanos Tsitsipas staged a comeback to defeat the 11th-seeded Taylor Fritz, recovering from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
