The 2024 ATP calendar is about to reach its climax with the much-anticipated ATP Finals in Turin, featuring the top eight male players of the year battling for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Among these elite competitors is Carlos Alcaraz, who has qualified for the year-ending Championships for the second consecutive year. However, in the lead-up to his opening match against Casper Ruud, the World No. 3 raised eyebrows and health concerns when he was spotted wearing a nasal strip during a training session.
The fuchsia-colored nasal strip worn by Alcaraz was not merely a fashion statement but a precautionary measure. Reports indicate that the Spanish prodigy is dealing with a blocked nose, which has been causing some respiratory issues. Nasal strips are designed to improve airflow by widening the nostrils, making it easier to breathe. Alcaraz’s physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno, recommended the strip to help alleviate his symptoms, and it was visible during the young star’s practice session with fellow competitor Taylor Fritz. Despite some initial concerns about his form, Alcaraz removed the strip after about an hour of play, suggesting some level of comfort during the practice.
The use of nasal strips is not unprecedented in tennis. Earlier in the 2024 season, Chile’s Nicolas Jarry was seen wearing nasal strips, which reportedly had a positive effect on his performance. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will work as effectively for Alcaraz, who undoubtedly faces immense pressure to perform at his best in the high-stakes ATP Finals.
Carlos Alcaraz’s goal in Turin is clear: end a mixed 2024 season on a high note. The 21-year-old has already achieved remarkable milestones, including completing the Channel Slam by winning Wimbledon and the French Open. Despite these triumphs, the 2024 season has not entirely lived up to the expectations set by his meteoric rise. Alcaraz has maintained a perfect 3-0 head-to-head record against his biggest rival and World No. 1, Jannik Sinner, but he enters the ATP Finals with an unusually high tally of 11 losses this season. By contrast, he suffered only 12 defeats in the entirety of 2023.
Some of these setbacks have been surprising, even by the unpredictable standards of professional tennis. Alcaraz’s second-round loss to Botic Van de Zandschulp at the US Open is widely regarded as one of the year’s major upsets. Additionally, uncharacteristic defeats to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati, Tomas Machac in Shanghai, and Ugo Humbert at the recently concluded Paris Masters have fueled questions about his consistency and adaptability.
Following his loss to Humbert in Paris, Alcaraz did not hold back in expressing his frustrations. He pointed to the playing conditions, specifically the unusually fast court speeds, as a significant factor that disrupted his preparation and performance. Indoor hard courts have proven to be a challenging surface for Alcaraz, who has excelled on clay and grass but has yet to fully unlock his potential in the indoor arena. For a player who has already shattered records and captured the imagination of tennis fans around the globe, this remains one of the few gaps in his impressive resume.
The ATP Finals present an opportunity for Alcaraz to not only redeem himself but to reinforce his status as one of the game’s brightest stars. Competing against a formidable field that includes Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur, the Spaniard will need to be at his best, both physically and mentally. His first test comes against the ever-consistent Casper Ruud, a player known for his resilience and tactical prowess.
As Alcaraz navigates the pressures and challenges of the ATP Finals, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the magic that has defined much of his young career. His ability to adapt to the fast indoor courts of Turin, coupled with the management of his respiratory issues, will be key factors in determining how far he goes in this prestigious tournament.
Despite the obstacles he has faced, Carlos Alcaraz remains one of the sport’s most exciting and dynamic players. His journey through the 2024 ATP season has been one of highs and lows, but the potential for a grand finale in Turin offers a chance to end the year on a triumphant note. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the young Spaniard can rise to the occasion, overcome adversity, and cement his place among the greats of the modern era.