ATP Finals: Carlos Alcaraz can still hope to reach the semifinals

Carlos Alcaraz’s journey to the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin was anything but straightforward. Despite being one of the top players in the world, his preparations for the prestigious tournament were marred by a flu virus that left him struggling in his opening match against Norway’s Casper Ruud. The former world No. 1 was clearly affected by the illness, and after being defeated in straight sets by Ruud, there was widespread concern about his fitness. Alcaraz even canceled his practice session the following day, and his coach, the legendary Juan Carlos Ferrero, expressed his worries about his star player’s condition.

Withdrawing from the ATP Finals was never an option for Alcaraz, who understands the importance of this event as the final tournament of the ATP calendar. The 21-year-old from Murcia refused to let the flu derail his chances and put in a much-improved performance against Russian powerhouse Andrey Rublev on Day 3. Although Alcaraz was not yet fully back to his best, the victory, a 6-4, 6-2 triumph, significantly boosted his chances of advancing to the semi-finals.

Alcaraz’s improvement in his second match was evident in several key areas. He served more effectively than in his debut match against Ruud and made fewer unforced errors. His trademark drop shot, a key element of his game, was much more precise and successful against Rublev. The current world No. 3’s performance on the court was a statement to both his team and the rest of the field that he was not going to give up on his bid for the ATP Finals title. At the end of the match, Alcaraz let out a triumphant shout toward his box, signaling his intent to fight until the very end.

“Option A” of just running and playing good points from the baseline, Alcaraz later reflected in the post-match interview. “I feel pretty good from the baseline, too. Running. I had many options on my mind. If I move well, run well from the baseline, I have more options. I’m really happy that ‘Option A’ of just running and playing good points from the baseline, I made it happen,” he said. The young Spaniard was visibly relieved and happy with his performance, which was a significant improvement on his earlier struggles.

However, despite the positive outcome, Alcaraz was still dealing with the lingering effects of the flu. During the match, he used a nasal strip to help with breathing, which seemed to aid him in recovering between points. The strip allowed him to breathe more freely and improve his stamina, helping him to stay competitive throughout the match. “Yeah, I know Jarry wears that thing in the nose. For me, it helped a lot today. I could breathe much better. It is something that I’m going to wear more often, I don’t know,” Alcaraz shared during his post-match press conference. “Right now, in the situation that I’m in, it helps a lot. I’m pretty sure that in the next match I’m going to wear it. Tomorrow’s practice I’m going to wear it for sure. I felt better. I could recover better between points. The thing that I sniffed in the changeover is for that. It is just to breathe a little bit better.”

While Alcaraz’s win over Rublev was encouraging, his next challenge in the group stage will be much more difficult. The 21-year-old will face Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who has been in superb form during the tournament. Zverev is on a roll, having won his first two matches in straight sets, defeating both Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud without losing a single set. The German is no stranger to the conditions in Turin, having won the ATP Finals in 2021, and he enters this match as the favorite.

Zverev’s performance on indoor hard courts has been exceptional, and his style of play seems to be more effective in the faster conditions. Alcaraz, by contrast, has acknowledged that he is still working on finding his best game on such surfaces. “I need more time to adapt to this kind of surface, to the indoor conditions. It’s not easy for me to find my rhythm here,” Alcaraz admitted in a previous interview. While he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the world, it will take time for him to adjust to the rapid pace of the indoor courts in Turin.

Despite these challenges, Alcaraz remains confident in his abilities and will go into his match against Zverev with the mindset of a fighter. However, the German’s current form and history against Alcaraz on hard courts give him a significant edge. The two players met earlier this year in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, where Zverev triumphed in straight sets, showcasing his power and precision.

Zverev has built great momentum with his victory at the Rolex Paris Masters, which has given him a massive confidence boost ahead of the ATP Finals. He will undoubtedly look to exploit Alcaraz’s weaknesses in indoor conditions, using his booming serve and aggressive baseline game to put pressure on the Spaniard. For Alcaraz to have a chance against the German, he will need to elevate his game even further. His footwork, movement, and ability to execute his shots with precision will be key factors in determining whether he can claim victory.

While Zverev appears to be the more comfortable player in these conditions, Alcaraz’s tenacity and determination are undeniable. The 21-year-old is known for rising to the occasion against top players, and his passion for the game often fuels his best performances. It will be fascinating to see how the two players match up on Friday, with Alcaraz’s movement and speed on the baseline set to face off against Zverev’s power and experience on indoor surfaces.

As the ATP Finals continue to unfold, one thing is clear: Carlos Alcaraz is not one to back down easily. Despite his struggles with illness and adapting to the indoor conditions, he has already shown his mental toughness and desire to compete at the highest level. With his eyes set on a spot in the semi-finals, Alcaraz will give everything he has in his final group-stage match against Zverev, knowing that the result could define the remainder of his tournament.

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