Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has candidly discussed his physical struggles during his opening match at the ATP Finals, where he fell to Norway’s Casper Ruud in a surprising straight-sets defeat, with a final scoreline of 6-1, 7-5. The 21-year-old, who has quickly ascended the ranks of men’s tennis and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the sport, found himself facing more than just a formidable opponent on the court—he was battling illness.
Following the match, Alcaraz spoke openly to the media about how feeling unwell had impacted his performance. The reigning world No. 3 revealed that he had already been sick at home before traveling to Turin for the ATP Finals. Though he initially thought he was recovering and even managed to practice, his symptoms resurfaced at the worst possible moment: during his match against Ruud. “Well, a few days before coming here, I got sick at home,” Alcaraz explained. “And yeah, the days that I was practicing here, I was feeling okay. Not pretty good, but okay. I could play. I could feel that I can get into the rallies in the practice. Obviously, in the matches it is totally different.”
The symptoms, Alcaraz shared, became particularly debilitating on match day. “Today I didn’t feel well. This morning, I felt uncomfortable in the stomach,” he said. “After long rallies today, I couldn’t feel well. I don’t want to, you know, say this because I don’t want it to sound like an excuse. But if I feel bad, I feel bad. It is what happened today.” Despite his clear distress, the Spaniard refrained from using his illness as a complete explanation for his loss, demonstrating the kind of honesty and sportsmanship that has earned him respect across the tennis community.
Alcaraz’s defeat to Ruud marks a significant setback in his ATP Finals campaign and raises the stakes for his next match. The challenge ahead is monumental: Alcaraz must now face Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the reigning world No. 2, on Wednesday. It will be their 11th head-to-head clash, and the two have historically been evenly matched, splitting their previous encounters with five wins apiece. The last time these two met was during the French Open final earlier this year, a gripping contest that saw Alcaraz emerge victorious after five grueling sets, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
Alcaraz’s preparation for the Zverev showdown will likely be influenced by how quickly he can recover from his recent illness. Facing a player of Zverev’s caliber, particularly in such a high-stakes environment, demands peak physical condition and focus. Zverev, who recently reclaimed the No. 2 spot, has been in stellar form, making Alcaraz’s task even more daunting. The German is known for his powerful serve, precision from the baseline, and ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that could pose a serious threat to an Alcaraz who is not feeling 100%.
Reflecting on Alcaraz’s current challenge, many observers have noted the resilience and maturity he has demonstrated throughout his young career. A four-time Grand Slam winner at just 21, Alcaraz has shown time and again that he can rise to difficult occasions. But as he himself acknowledges, the physical demands of professional tennis, especially at events like the ATP Finals, can push even the most talented players to their limits.
While his loss to Ruud was disappointing, it is by no means a definitive setback. The ATP Finals operate on a round-robin format, giving Alcaraz an opportunity to turn things around. His upcoming match against Zverev will be a critical test—not only of his tennis skills but also of his physical and mental fortitude. Alcaraz’s team will undoubtedly be working around the clock to ensure that he is as ready as possible for the showdown.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Alcaraz responds. His ability to regroup and potentially pull off a victory against Zverev would send a strong message to the rest of the field: even when faced with adversity, he remains a formidable contender. And while Alcaraz’s immediate focus will be on recovery and preparation, his broader goal remains clear—to prove that he belongs among the elite in men’s tennis, not just through moments of brilliance but by overcoming the sport’s toughest challenges.
Alcaraz’s journey in the ATP Finals this year is already a compelling storyline, marked by resilience, determination, and the unpredictability that makes tennis so captivating. Whether he can regain his form and advance through the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Carlos Alcaraz will continue to fight with everything he has. Tennis fans around the world will be watching closely as this young star seeks to add another memorable chapter to his already impressive career.