Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his first win at the current ATP Finals in Turin on Wednesday.
The Spaniard, who is somewhat in poor health, prevailed in the first game of the day in the group “John Newcombe” 6:3, 7:6 (8) against the Russian Andrey Rublev.
For Rublev this is the second consecutive victory at this year’s ATP Finals. He previously lost in two sets against the German Alexander Zverev, who is still to play against Casper Ruud on Wednesday (from 8:30 pm in the LIVE ticket >>>).
Alcaraz himself lost to Ruud of Norway in two sets in the first game. The Spaniard will face Zverev in his final group match on Friday. The top two teams in the group advance to the semi-finals.
Breathing problems can’t stop Alcaraz
Alcaraz has been struggling with breathing problems in Turin for the past few days, which is also why the four-time Grand Slam tournament winner wore a pink nasal plaster against Rublev.
The winner of the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon started winning the first set with a break to 4:3, and thanks to another person, he was in the bag after 37 minutes.
In the second round, both players served, which is why it went to a tie. The Spaniard has pulled away with 4:1, but his lead from two points was set at 5:6 and 7:8 before he was able to use his second game point.
Alcaraz surprises himself
“It surprised me a lot,” stressed Alcaraz due to his health condition.
“I was very calm, I focused on my game and I forgot that I wasn’t feeling so well. The focus was on a good forehand and a good backhand, it went very well, I’m very happy,” sums up the 21 years. aged Third in the world ranking, who recently admitted that he was mentally tired at the end of the season.
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Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special interview segment. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with tennis analyst and expert, Dr. Emily Torres, who has been closely following the ATP Finals in Turin. Emily, thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Emily Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss tennis, especially during such a significant tournament.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right into it. We saw Carlos Alcaraz notch his first win at the ATP Finals against Andrey Rublev, despite being in poor health. What do you make of his performance under these circumstances?
Dr. Emily Torres: It was impressive, to say the least. Alcaraz demonstrated remarkable resilience. Winning the match 6:3, 7:6, especially in a tiebreak situation, indicates not only his skill but also his mental fortitude. Competing at such a high level when you’re not feeling your best is a testament to his determination and preparation.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. It’s interesting how physical and mental aspects coexist in sports. Given Alcaraz’s condition, what do you think it means for his chances as the tournament progresses?
Dr. Emily Torres: Well, injuries and health issues can definitely impact a player’s stamina and performance. If he manages his health well, he could still make a deep run in the tournament. However, he may need to conserve energy and pick his moments to attack strategically. Each match will be critical, especially as the competition becomes stiffer.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of competition, Andrey Rublev faced some difficulty after his earlier victory against Zverev. What does this mean for his trajectory in the tournament?
Dr. Emily Torres: Rublev had a tough day, and losing to Alcaraz right after a win against Zverev could be mentally challenging. It highlights the unpredictable nature of the game. He might need to regroup and focus on maintaining his confidence. With Zverev still to play against Casper Ruud, each match will be crucial in determining who advances.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of pressure on the players. How do you think they cope with this level of intensity, especially in a top-tier event like the ATP Finals?
Dr. Emily Torres: Coping mechanisms vary from player to player. Many rely on established routines, support systems, and mental conditioning techniques. Visualization, breathing exercises, and having a strong team behind them can make a significant difference. Additionally, experience in high-pressure situations can greatly help players maintain their composure.
Time.news Editor: Very insightful! Let’s touch on Zverev and Ruud. With Zverev’s recent performance against Rublev, how do you see him faring in the upcoming match?
Dr. Emily Torres: Zverev is showing strong form, and if he plays with the same intensity as he did against Rublev, he could pose a significant challenge to Ruud. However, Ruud is an incredibly skilled player with his own strengths, particularly on indoor surfaces. The match will likely depend on who can control the tempo and take opportunities when they arise.
Time.news Editor: It’s shaping up to be an exciting finish! As we wrap up, what’s your overall take on the tournament thus far?
Dr. Emily Torres: The ATP Finals always deliver exhilarating matches, and this year is no exception. With emerging talents like Alcaraz and strong competitors like Zverev and Rublev, it’s a showcase of the sport at its highest level. I expect some thrilling encounters as we move towards the final stages!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights today! We appreciate your expertise and look forward to following the tournament more closely with your analysis in mind.
Dr. Emily Torres: Thank you for having me! Let’s see how the rest of the tournament unfolds!