Elite competition in tennis: With nasal plaster: Alcaraz defies health problems

In Alexander Zverev’s group, the ailing Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz returned with a victory in the race for the semi-finals at the season finale in Turin. Two days after his surprising opening defeat, the 21-year-old beat Andrej Rublev 6:3, 7:6 (10:8). Because of his health problems, Alcaraz played with a pink nasal patch, but still held his own. Only Friday, when he plays against Zverev, will decide whether he progresses.

He thought he would feel better, but it was okay, Alcaraz said. After his botched start at the year-end tournament for the eight best tennis professionals of the season against the Norwegian professional Casper Ruud, Alcaraz reported that he had become ill shortly before traveling to Turin. He also had stomach problems on match day. The world number three said it shouldn’t sound like an excuse.

“But when I feel bad, I feel bad.” Alcaraz also admitted on Monday that he was mentally tired at the end of the season. Against Rublev, the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon winner was in better form again. However, he didn’t look physically at his best and tried to shorten the rallies.

In the exciting tiebreak, Alcaraz initially missed a lead and had to fend off two set points from the Russian. Then he used his second match point and avoided the looming third set.

Alcaraz’s victory also means that Zverev, second in the world rankings, will not be able to securely qualify for the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in the evening (8.30 p.m./Sky), even if he wins. Only the last matchday of the group, when Zverev plays against Alcaraz and Ruud against Rublev, will decide who progresses. Zverev won his first group game against Rublev.