Carlos Alcaraz continues to rewrite the record books and defy expectations at a remarkably young age. His latest triumph came at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, where the 21-year-old Spaniard delivered a compelling victory over Andrey Rublev, winning 6-3, 7-6(8) in his second round-robin match. With this win, Alcaraz became the second-youngest player ever to notch up such a record at this prestigious event, underscoring his position among the sport’s elite.
The four-time Grand Slam champion entered the match facing a set of formidable challenges, both on and off the court. Concerns loomed over his health after he cut a Tuesday practice session short, lasting only ten minutes. The abrupt ending had sparked worries among fans and analysts alike, especially given his uncharacteristic performance in his opening match—a surprising 1-6, 5-7 loss to Casper Ruud. Alcaraz later revealed that he was battling illness, which had significantly affected his form. However, in his clash against Rublev, the young phenom demonstrated why he is considered one of the most resilient and talented players in the game.
Sporting a nose strip to help him breathe more easily due to his illness, Alcaraz managed to produce a dominant performance. He broke Rublev’s serve twice in the opening set, dictating play with a combination of precision, power, and an ability to adapt his tactics. The second set was far more tightly contested. It featured a tense tie-break in which Alcaraz saved two set points, ultimately outlasting his Russian opponent 10-8. The victory was hard-earned and spoke volumes about the 21-year-old’s mental fortitude and competitive edge.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz expressed genuine surprise at how well he managed to compete despite feeling under the weather. “Yes, a lot,” he admitted during an on-court interview. “I surprised myself with how I played from the baseline and with my serve. I was really calm. I tried to be focused on my game and forget that I’m not feeling well, that I’m sick, all that stuff.”
The world No. 3 went on to share how he managed to compartmentalize his struggles. “Once you step on court you have to forget everything you’re struggling with off the court. You try to put your focus on hitting good forehands and backhands. Make good tactics. I think I did pretty well. I surprised myself.”
Alcaraz’s service statistics further underline the strength of his performance. He landed 70% of his first serves, winning an impressive 84% of points on his first delivery. Even on his second serve—a potential vulnerability for many players—he won a solid 63% of points, and he did not face a single break point. Adding to his strong showing, he struck 10 aces against Rublev, illustrating his well-rounded game.
Victory over Rublev, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, marked a milestone for Alcaraz: it was his 20th career hard-court win against a player ranked in the top 10. At 21 years and 192 days old, he is second only to Australian great Lleyton Hewitt in achieving this feat at such a young age. Hewitt, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, managed to accomplish this milestone before turning 21, further highlighting Alcaraz’s early success.
The Spaniard’s rise to prominence has been as swift as it has been impressive. Seven of his 20 hard-court wins over top-10 players have come this year, while he recorded six such victories in 2023, four in 2022, and three in 2021. Of particular note, eight of these victories were against players ranked in the top five—a testament to Alcaraz’s ability to challenge the very best on the biggest stages.
Overall, Alcaraz boasts a stellar 35-18 record against top-10 opponents across all surfaces. This impressive tally includes 10 wins on clay and five on grass, making him a formidable competitor regardless of the conditions. His current streak of success against elite competition is remarkable: Alcaraz has won nine of his last 11 matches against top-10 players. This run began with a quarter-final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the French Open in June, signaling his capacity to raise his game at critical junctures.
Alcaraz’s victory over Rublev is more than just another win; it is a statement of resilience, versatility, and the hunger that drives him to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As he looks to navigate the rest of the ATP Finals and beyond, the Spaniard’s ability to overcome adversity serves as a reminder of why he is not just the future of tennis but its present as well. With youth, talent, and determination on his side, Alcaraz’s journey is one that promises many more chapters of brilliance yet to come.