ATP Finals: Ailing Carlos Alcaraz outclasses Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev wins again
Four-time grand slam champion has had respiratory issues and wore pink nasal tape in a comfortable win, faces German next
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz made light of feeling under the weather as he beat Russia’s Andrey Rublev in impressive fashion to revive his ATP Finals hopes on Wednesday.
The Spanish four-time grand slam champion has been suffering respiratory issues in Turin and wore pink nasal tape against Rublev in a resounding 6-3, 7-6 victory.
In the late match in the John Newcombe group, two-time former champion Alexander Zverev, the world No 2, underlined his superb late-season form to beat Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6, 6-3 for his second victory of the week.
None of the eight men’s singles matches so far at this year’s season-ender for the top eight players have gone to three sets.
Third seed Alcaraz, bidding to win the title for the first time, looked far sharper than during his opening group match, which ended in a straight-sets defeat by Ruud.
“I did surprise myself,” said Alcaraz, who had to abandon a practice session on Tuesday, on court. “I just tried to focus on my game and what I had to do and not that I wasn’t feeling well. Once you step on court you have to forget that.