Carlos Alcaraz fends off Andrey Rublev challenge while recovering from ‘cold’ to stay alive in ATP finals

After losing to Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Andrey Rublev in his second group-stage match at the ATP Finals.

Carlos Alcaraz fends off Andrey Rublev challenge while recovering from ‘cold’ to stay alive in ATP finals

Carlos Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev (Images via X)

Carlos Alcaraz almost got knocked out of the ATP Finals as Andrey Rublev dominated at the beginning in the first set in their second group stage match they played on Wednesday (November 13). But he overcame Rublev 6-3, 7-6(8) in 96 minutes to keep him alive in the tournament. 

Alcaraz had lost his first group-stage match to Casper Ruud and later confirmed that he was dealing with some stomach problems. Against Rublev, he sported a nasal strip as he was struggling to breathe properly.

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Alcaraz wanted to entertain the fans, which he thinks he didn’t last time. At the Inalpi Arena in Turin, he tried his all to play to his full potential in spite of his struggles. 

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I was okay enough to play, but I’m thinking about how in the first match I was thinking a lot about how I was sick and couldn’t play. Today I really wanted to step onto the court and just show good tennis and play a high level. Try to show people a good time to try to make them happy. When I got off the court from the first match, I felt like I didn’t entertain the people or play good tennis. 

Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match interview 

With this defeat, Rublev almost got eliminated as he previously lost his first match to Alexander Zverev. The Russian is set to lock horns with Ruud next. 

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Carlos Alcaraz to play against Alexander Zverev next 

Carlos Alcaraz will have a tough match on November 15. His hopes of staying in contention and chasing a second consecutive semifinal spot in the year-end event will rely on a victory over Alexander Zverev. 

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Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

Both the players gave each other tough competition in the 10 matches they played against each other, and are tied 5-5 in the head-to-head record. The upcoming match will be their fourth meeting this season, after their clashes at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and the French Open.

Although Alcaraz lost in Melbourne, he defeated Zverev at Indian Wells en route to lifting the title. He then clinched his first trophy at Roland Garros with a five-set win over the German. 

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The match could also decide who finishes the season as World No. 2. Zverev is currently standing in second position in the ATP rankings, while Alcaraz is just behind him. Jannik Sinner will continue to stay at the top irrespective of the ATP Finals result and will be ending the season as World No. 1 for the first time in his career.