Carlos Alcaraz has done it again, and this time he has overcome his physical issues to beat Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (8) at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. The win was crucial as it puts the current World No. 2 back into the year-ending tournament for a spot in the semifinals after he was beaten by Casper Ruud in straight sets in his opener match.
During the post-match interview, Alcaraz talked about struggling with health concerns and how he surprised even himself with the level of play he showed against Rublev.
Alcaraz said, “Yes, a lot. 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.”
He further opened up about diverting his mind from the fact that he was struggling with health concerns once he stepped on the court for the ultimate matchup.
Continuing his train of thought, he added, “Once you step on court, you have to forget everything, you’re a struggling with off the court. You try to put your focus on hitting good forehands and backhands. Make good tactics. I think I did pretty well. I surprised myself.”
As per the current World No. 3, he could still do better and was thinking about his health issues due to which he was not able to play at the highest level.
He even revealed wanting it just to showcase “good tennis” for fans who come there just to watch him play despite not being well.
Alcaraz concluded, “I could be better. I’ve been struggling with my health the last week. Today I thought I was going to feel better. I was ok 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 on the court and just show good tennis and play a high level.”
Jannik Sinner snubs Carlos Alcaraz to clinch year-end World No. 1 trophy.
Jannik Sinner has created history by becoming the first Italian ever to reach the ATP World No. 1 position. Sinner reached the top spot back in June 2024 and maintained the momentum to the end of the year as the World No. 1.
Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is now World No. 3, as Alexander Zverev took the second spot. In 2024, Sinner won the Australian Open and US. Open as his first two Grand Slam titles.
