Carlos Alcaraz overcomes illness to defeat Andrey Rublev at ATP Finals

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off respiratory troubles to reignite his ATP Finals campaign with a decisive win over Russia's Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.

Despite being under the weather and sporting pink nasal tape for better breathing, the four-time Grand Slam winner triumphed with a 6-3, 7-6(8) scoreline. Alcaraz, seeded third, appeared much sharper compared to his previous group-stage defeat to Norway's Casper Ruud.

After splitting the first six games, Alcaraz broke Rublev’s serve with a blazing forehand and quickly secured five consecutive games to take control. Though Rublev, ranked world number eight, fought back in the second set and came close to securing break points at 2-2, he missed a routine ball after a drop shot attempt.



The thrilling match concluded with Alcaraz saving two set points in the tiebreak before claiming victory. Rublev has now suffered six consecutive straight-set losses at the ATP Finals since reaching the semifinals in 2022.

Ruud is set to face world number two Alexander Zverev later on Wednesday, with both players aiming for their second win.



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