Carlos Alcaraz’s health has become a growing concern as the 21-year-old Spanish tennis star battles illness during the ATP Finals in Turin. Alcaraz, who has been one of the most anticipated players in this year’s edition of the prestigious event, finds himself in a difficult situation as his flu symptoms continue to affect his performance. After a disappointing defeat to Norway’s Casper Ruud in straight sets, Alcaraz’s chances of advancing to the semifinals are now in serious jeopardy. His performance during the match and subsequent training session have raised doubts about whether he can regain his competitive edge in time for his next match.
Alcaraz, who has already won four Grand Slam titles and risen to the world number 3 ranking, has been battling a bad flu that has left him struggling to breathe during long rallies. His usual intensity and composure on court were noticeably absent in the match against Ruud, where he could only muster a brief period of resistance in the second set before losing five consecutive games. The physical strain of playing under such conditions was evident, and it is clear that Alcaraz is far from his best. His health issues have also severely hampered his ability to move fluidly and recover between points, which are crucial elements of his playing style.
Immediately following the match, Alcaraz planned a practice session for the day after, hoping to test his physical condition and assess whether he could recover enough to remain competitive in the tournament. However, the session was short-lived and unsatisfactory. After only ten minutes of slow-paced training, Alcaraz was forced to stop and return to the locker room, signaling that his health had not improved. Fans and insiders are now left wondering if the young Spaniard will be able to make a quick recovery ahead of his decisive match against Andrey Rublev, scheduled for tomorrow. With the semifinals on the line, this match has become crucial for Alcaraz, but his current physical condition casts doubt on his ability to play at his usual high level.
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach and former world number 1, spoke to the Spanish press shortly after the training session, confirming that Alcaraz was still not feeling well. Despite his condition, Ferrero emphasized that Alcaraz had no intention of withdrawing from the tournament. “He is not feeling good, but he doesn’t want to give up,” Ferrero said. The coach explained that Alcaraz would rest in the hours leading up to the match against Rublev, with a morning assessment of his condition to follow. Ferrero acknowledged that the flu had taken a toll on Alcaraz, particularly when it came to his breathing. “As soon as he starts moving a little, it’s hard for him, especially in terms of breathing,” Ferrero remarked. “It was a bad time to get sick. We all played in circumstances where we didn’t feel good.”
Ferrero also highlighted the challenge that Alcaraz faces in his next match against Rublev, noting that the Russian is known for his high level of activity on the court. “Rublev is a very active player, and you have to be very good with your legs to keep up,” Ferrero said. “Right now, that’s what costs Carlos the most — the recovery between points. He is in the unknown. We’ll see how his body recovers without playing today. If he feels a little better tomorrow, he will try to give everything he has inside.” Ferrero’s words revealed the uncertainty surrounding Alcaraz’s situation and the difficult road ahead for the Spanish star.
Alcaraz himself was candid about his struggles following his loss to Ruud, admitting that he was far from his best and that the flu had clearly affected his performance. “It’s true that I was not feeling well,” Alcaraz said after the match. “A few days before coming here, I got sick at home. 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 could get into the rallies in practice. Obviously, in the matches, it’s totally different. But today, I didn’t feel well.” He went on to describe how his symptoms worsened during the match, saying, “This morning I felt uncomfortable in my stomach. After long rallies today, I couldn’t feel well. I don’t want to make excuses, but if I feel bad, I feel bad. It is what happened.”
The situation is becoming increasingly delicate for Alcaraz, as the ATP Finals are one of the most important tournaments of the season. While he has already won Grand Slam titles, the ATP Finals are still a significant goal for his career, and failing to make it to the semifinals would be a major setback. Alcaraz’s hopes of advancing are slim, considering his poor health and the tough competition he faces in Turin. If he is unable to recover in time for his next match, the consequences could be severe, and his chances of progressing to the semifinals would be all but extinguished.
If Alcaraz’s condition does not improve in the coming hours, he could make the difficult decision to withdraw from the tournament and focus on his recovery ahead of upcoming events. One such event is the Davis Cup Finals, which will be held in Malaga. The Davis Cup Finals are especially important for Alcaraz, as they mark the final event in the career of his compatriot and tennis legend Rafa Nadal. Alcaraz is expected to play a key role in Spain’s bid for the title, and his presence is crucial for their chances. There is also the possibility that Alcaraz could play doubles with Nadal, as the pair did during the Paris Olympics this summer. Nadal’s current physical condition makes it uncertain whether he will be able to play singles, but Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, has not ruled out the possibility of Nadal featuring in both singles and doubles.
The Davis Cup Finals are a huge opportunity for Spain, but much of their success depends on the fitness and performance of Alcaraz. Although Alcaraz has previously admitted to struggling with indoor conditions, particularly on hard courts, his determination to perform for his country could motivate him to play through any discomfort. Still, the combination of illness and the pressure of the Davis Cup could make this a difficult period for the young Spanish star. If he does indeed decide to withdraw from the ATP Finals to focus on the Davis Cup, it will be a hard decision, but one that could be necessary for both his health and his future success.
As the ATP Finals continue without Alcaraz’s full participation, tennis fans are left hoping for his swift recovery, as the young Spaniard has become one of the sport’s most exciting talents. Whether he can rally in time for his next match remains to be seen, but the situation underscores the fragility of athletes’ health and the unpredictable nature of professional sports.