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.

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. But it shouldn’t sound like an excuse.

“The game against Casper was difficult for me. I didn’t feel good,” said Alcaraz after his second appearance. “Today I felt almost the same. Probably a little better, but not too much. Today I went on the pitch and thought that I have to play better,” said Alcaraz, “I tried to forget that I was don’t feel well.” The third in the world rankings said that the nasal plaster “helped him a lot”: “I was able to breathe much better.”

The 2024 French Open and Wimbledon winner was again in better form against Rublev than against Ruud. 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. He then 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.