Carlos Alcaraz finally gave his ATP Finals campaign some proper kick-start as a 6-3, 7-6(8) victory over Andrey Rublev in Turin kept him in contention for the semis. The 21-year-old, who has not enjoyed the best of times lately, has struggled for wellness due to fatigue and sickness, produced an imperious display of resilience to hoist himself off the bottom of the John Newcombe Group standings.
There had been question marks over Alcaraz’s condition after he ended Tuesday’s training early due to breathing difficulties, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero confirmed. But the world number three showed no signs of holding back, taking the first set in 38 minutes after breaking Rublev in the seventh game.
The second set was far more even, as Rublev succeeded in forcing Alcaraz into a thrilling tiebreak that the Spaniard won in the end. The brilliance of the shot-making from Alcaraz drew cheers from fans and gave every sign he is getting close to the best of his game.
“I did surprise myself,” said Alcaraz following his match. “Once you step on court, you have to forget everything else.
Rublev fought hard and saved two match points, but could not turn the tide since he has now lost six successive ATP Finals matches. Casper Ruud will join the semi-finals from the same group provided he defeats Alexander Zverev.
