World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz was forced to end his Tuesday practice session at the ATP Finals in Turin after only ten minutes due to ongoing health concerns, further intensifying speculation about his ability to continue in the prestigious year-end tournament. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who suffered a disappointing 6-1, 7-5 defeat to Norway’s Casper Ruud in his first round-robin match, cited issues stemming from a cold as a key reason for his underwhelming performance. While Alcaraz had hoped a training session on Tuesday would help him prepare for his next match, the attempt proved too strenuous, prompting him to cut it short and heightening concerns of a potential withdrawal from the tournament.
**Alcaraz’s Health Struggles in Turin**
Alcaraz’s road to the ATP Finals was already fraught with difficulties. He experienced an early exit at the Paris Masters, falling short of his usual high standards and leaving fans hoping for a strong comeback in Turin. However, illness struck the young star in the days leading up to the ATP Finals, casting a shadow over his preparations. Despite his health struggles, Alcaraz made every effort to compete, but his condition clearly affected his game against Ruud. The match saw him fail to find his rhythm, especially in the opening set, and ultimately squander a significant lead in the second set.
The match began on a challenging note for Alcaraz, who looked out of sorts from the start. Ruud took advantage, applying consistent pressure and exploiting his opponent’s visible discomfort during extended rallies. Alcaraz struggled to catch his breath and reported pain in his chest, a clear sign that his illness was hampering his physical performance. The Spaniard’s inability to sustain his usual intensity and movement around the court was evident, leading to uncharacteristic errors and lapses in focus.
**Casper Ruud’s Strong Performance**
While Alcaraz’s health concerns certainly played a role, full credit must be given to Casper Ruud, who delivered an outstanding performance to secure his first-ever win over the World No. 3. Ruud’s strategy was clear and effective—he controlled the shorter rallies, stayed aggressive from the baseline, and maintained a consistent level of play throughout. The Norwegian staved off two early break points in the opening game, setting the tone for a confident display.
Ruud broke Alcaraz’s serve twice in quick succession starting in the fourth game of the match, demonstrating superior court positioning and shot selection. He closed out the first set with an ace in just 35 minutes, leaving Alcaraz with little room to maneuver. While the second set initially seemed to offer the Spaniard a chance at redemption, it ultimately slipped away due to a combination of Ruud’s resilience and Alcaraz’s inability to maintain his momentum.
**A Rollercoaster Second Set**
The second set offered glimpses of the brilliance that has made Alcaraz one of the sport’s brightest young stars. He appeared to regain some composure, holding serve comfortably on multiple occasions and breaking Ruud in the sixth game with a crisp volley winner. Leading 5-2 and seemingly in control, Alcaraz was poised to level the match. However, his condition took its toll once more as he attempted to serve out the set at 5-3. A loose service game resulted in a break for Ruud, who capitalized on Alcaraz’s mistakes and clawed his way back into contention.
Ruud continued to press, holding serve with authority and breaking Alcaraz once more in the eleventh game after a series of deep, well-placed returns forced errors from the Spaniard. Serving for the match at 6-5, the Norwegian showed composure despite facing two match points. He ultimately sealed the victory with an ace, earning 200 valuable ATP points and leaving Alcaraz with limited room for error in his remaining round-robin matches.
**What Lies Ahead for Alcaraz**
With his health in question and another crucial match looming, Alcaraz faces a daunting challenge. His withdrawal from Tuesday’s practice session suggests that his condition may not have significantly improved overnight. Fans and analysts alike are now left wondering if the young star will be able to compete at his best in the upcoming matches or if he might be forced to withdraw entirely.
Alcaraz’s situation serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll the demanding tennis calendar can take on even the most talented players. Despite his incredible achievements this year, including two Grand Slam titles and a steady climb up the ATP rankings, the Spaniard is experiencing firsthand the challenges of sustaining peak performance while managing unexpected setbacks.
For Ruud, the victory over Alcaraz is a confidence booster and an important milestone in his own journey. Having consistently demonstrated his ability to compete with the best, Ruud’s success in Turin underscores his potential to be a regular contender at the highest levels of the sport.
As the ATP Finals continue, all eyes will remain on Carlos Alcaraz. Whether he can recover and reclaim his form in Turin will be a key storyline, as his talent and resilience are undeniable. Should he manage to overcome his health challenges, fans can expect a spirited fight from the world’s No. 3-ranked player—a testament to his enduring determination and passion for the sport.