‘Struggling’ Carlos Alcaraz vows to keep fighting amidst health concerns at ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz admits he might keep struggling with illness after beating Andrey Rublev to earn his first win at the 2024 ATP Finals.

‘Struggling’ Carlos Alcaraz vows to keep fighting amidst health concerns at ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz (via Sky Sports)

Carlos Alcaraz and his team had to pull out all their strategies for the Spaniard to be physically ready for his second Group match at the ATP Finals. Their efforts paid off after the 21-year-old beat Andrey Rublev to win his first match at the event. Nevertheless, Alcaraz has admitted that he will continue to struggle with his health for a few more days.

Alcaraz suffered a shocking defeat in his first match against Casper Ruud. The Spaniard was noticeably not 100 percent at his best physically during the match. On Tuesday (November 12), he quit his midday practice after just less than fifteen minutes on the court, with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero casting doubt on whether Alcaraz would play against Rublev.

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Despite his health struggles, Alcaraz resisted the illness to play in his second match at the ATP Finals. During the break, he was spotted applying Vicks Vaporub on his chest in addition to wearing a nasal strip. He played aggressively, though not feeling too well, but was enough to beat Rublev 6-3, 7-6(8).

After the match, Alcaraz opened up about his health and how it’s affecting his game. He added that he is looking forward to doing better on the court in the next match.

I can be better. I can be healthier, but I just tend to accept the things that are going on right now. I’m trying to step on the court and play good tennis and try not to think about it all (health struggles). My issue right now (is that) I’ve been struggling for the past few weeks, and I’m going to stay struggling for many days.

Carlos Alcaraz said via Sky Sports

After Alcaraz achieved his first victory at the ATP Finals, he showed his support to those affected by DANA tragedy in Valencia. The 21-year-old signed the camera with the word “Valencia” before leaving the court.

Carlos Alcaraz surprised at his performance after picking first win at the ATP Finals

Before Carlos Alcaraz’s match against Andrey Rublev, the Spaniard had won only one of his last four matches. However, despite his health struggles, the 21-year-old played put out an excellent display against Rublev. He won the first set after coming back from 3-2 to rattle off four consecutive match points.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (via X)

Rublev increased the tempo of his game in the second set but Alcaraz didn’t back down. The former pushed the tie to a tiebreak but the latter eventually earned the win in the tightly contested set. Alcaraz revealed he was surprised at his display.

I surprised myself with how I played from the baseline and with my serve. I was really calm. I tried to be focused on my game and forget that I’m not feeling well, that I’m sick, all that stuff. Once you step on court, you have to forget everything you’re struggling with off the court. You try to put your focus on hitting good forehands and backhands.

Carlos Alcaraz said after the game

Rublev, who has lost two matches has not yet been eliminated but is close to an early exit if Casper Ruud defeats Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, a Zverev win will force the semifinal qualification into the final round-robin match on Friday (November 15).