Carlos Alcaraz has opened his account at the ATP Finals with a thrilling 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) victory over Andrey Rublev, securing his first win of the tournament on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Spanish star showed his trademark resilience and flair, recovering from recent illness and fatigue concerns to lift himself off the bottom of the John Newcombe Group.
Meanwhile, Casper Ruud missed his chance to advance to the semifinals after falling in straight sets to Alexander Zverev, who now stands poised to claim a place in the last four.
Alcaraz Overcomes Health Struggles to Beat Rublev
Entering the ATP Finals, Carlos Alcaraz had faced health setbacks that nearly put his participation in doubt. His preparation had been hampered by fatigue and breathing issues, causing his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, to question whether he would be ready to compete in Turin.
After a disappointing start in which he lost to Ruud, Alcaraz expressed uncertainty about his ability to play at full strength. However, determined to make a comeback, he stepped onto the court with renewed focus and delivered an impressive performance.
“I could be better, I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz admitted after his match. “I’ve been struggling with my health the last week… today I thought I was going to feel better. I was OK to play, but thinking about the first match I was sick, that I couldn’t play.”
Despite these challenges, Alcaraz managed to play some of his best tennis, securing the first set in 38 minutes after breaking Rublev in game seven. The Spaniard’s aggressive style and dazzling shot-making thrilled the crowd, signaling a potential return to top form.
A Strong First Set and a Battle for the Second
Alcaraz’s dominance was clear from the start as he breezed through the first set, using powerful groundstrokes and tactical plays to keep Rublev on the defensive.
Breaking Rublev’s serve and quickly closing out the set showed Alcaraz’s intent to redeem himself after his opening loss. In the second set, Rublev fought back, pushing the match into a tight tiebreak that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The tiebreak proved to be a spectacle, with Alcaraz and Rublev exchanging remarkable rallies and thrilling shots. Alcaraz, however, managed to pull through, capturing the second set and the match with a final score of 7-6 (10/8).
His performance reflected the confidence of a player who, despite recent setbacks, remains one of the top contenders at this year’s ATP Finals. This victory places Alcaraz in a stronger position in the group and restores his confidence heading into his final group-stage match against Alexander Zverev.
⭐️ CARLOS. ALCARAZ. ⭐️#NittoATPFinals | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/Yhr650qF8z
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 13, 2024
Rublev’s Struggles Continue as He Falls to Last Place
Andrey Rublev, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, faced a tough challenge against Alcaraz. After losing his opening match, Rublev entered this encounter needing a win to stay competitive in the group.
However, the loss to Alcaraz marked Rublev’s sixth consecutive defeat at the ATP Finals, a streak that has placed him at the bottom of the John Newcombe Group. Despite his fighting spirit and two chances to win the second set, Rublev was unable to capitalize, with unforced errors proving costly in crucial moments.
Rublev’s continued struggle at the ATP Finals reflects both the intensity of the competition and the fine margins that separate victory and defeat. While his form throughout the season has been impressive, the Finals have consistently posed a challenge for the Russian, leaving him searching for answers to end his losing streak in this prestigious event.
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Casper Ruud Falls to Zverev and Misses Semifinal Chance
While Alcaraz celebrated his first victory, Casper Ruud saw an opportunity slip away as he faced off against Alexander Zverev later in the day.
Ruud entered the match with the chance to secure a spot in the semifinals with a win, but Zverev’s exceptional form proved too much for the Norwegian. Zverev claimed a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory in straight sets, denying Ruud the early qualification he sought and putting himself in pole position for a semifinal berth.
Zverev took control of the match in the first-set tiebreak, with both players holding serve throughout until the German secured the edge. In the second set, Zverev broke Ruud in game eight and then confidently served to love, sealing the match and further strengthening his position in the group standings.
Reflecting on his win, Zverev praised the level of competition, saying, “I think it was a very good match actually from both of us… one or two points decided the first set, and I thought the level was very high.”
Zverev’s second win from as many matches has all but guaranteed him a spot in the last four, leaving Alcaraz and Ruud in a tight race for the remaining semifinal position. With his consistent play and tactical prowess, Zverev remains a formidable contender as he heads into his final group match against Alcaraz.
✌️ out of ✌️
No. 2 seed @AlexZverev takes a huge step towards the semi-finals in Turin!#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/nJfAyr0U3B
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 13, 2024
What’s Next: Alcaraz and Zverev to Face Off in Crucial Match
Carlos Alcaraz’s next match against Alexander Zverev promises to be a high-stakes encounter that could determine the semifinal lineup. Alcaraz will be looking to build on his recent win and test Zverev’s momentum, while Zverev aims to complete the group stage undefeated.
This upcoming clash is particularly significant for Alcaraz, as a win could advance him to the semifinals, pending the outcome of Ruud’s final match.
On Thursday, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will also have a chance to secure his spot in the semifinals if he takes a single set off Daniil Medvedev. Sinner has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, and with a win on Thursday, he would lead the Ilie Nastase Group heading into the knockout rounds.
ATP Finals Drama Continues with Top Spots Up for Grabs
The ATP Finals have brought together the world’s top players in a thrilling showdown, and each match has added to the excitement.
Alcaraz’s resurgence, Zverev’s consistent form, and the unpredictability of the group standings make for an intense finish to the round-robin stage. With semifinal spots on the line, the next round of matches will see some of the tournament’s best players vying for the prestigious Finals title.
Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive win over Andrey Rublev has revived his tournament campaign and raised hopes that the young star can still make a deep run.
Meanwhile, Zverev and Sinner continue to dominate their respective groups, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the ATP Finals group stage. As fans eagerly await the final outcomes, the ATP Finals continue to deliver world-class tennis, showcasing the resilience, skill, and passion of the sport’s elite.
