Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz faces the risk of missing this year’s ATP Finals after experiencing respiratory issues that forced him to suspend practice on November 12. The young player, currently ranked third seed, had to cut short his session with American player Andres Martin after only 15 minutes due to difficulty breathing and chest tightness. This news has come as a shock to Alcaraz fans, especially since he’s been enjoying a successful season with four Grand Slam titles.
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Health Complications Affecting Alcaraz’s Performance
Before arriving in Torino, Alcaraz already showed signs of having a cold, according to his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. “He’s had to take medication to treat the cold, but it’s affected his stomach, causing fatigue and quickly draining his energy,” Ferrero told Movistar on the morning of November 12. Alcaraz also dealt with a runny nose during his match against Casper Ruud, making it difficult for him to stay focused and perform at his best.
Although Ferrero is optimistic that Alcaraz could recover, he is not entirely sure that his player will be ready for the match against Andrey Rublev on the evening of November 13. Health conditions can change drastically overnight, and this could impact Alcaraz’s ability to play. Should Alcaraz be unable to compete, reserve player Stefanos Tsitsipas will step in.
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Pressure to Win Against Andrey Rublev
Like Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev must also win the upcoming match to keep his hopes of advancing alive after losing to Alexander Zverev in his opening match. This makes the match between Alcaraz and Rublev both intense and decisive. Rublev is a strong opponent with agile movement and an aggressive playstyle. Meanwhile, Alcaraz remains fatigued and may not be in peak form. Ferrero stated, “Rublev is a very mobile opponent, and Alcaraz will undoubtedly face challenges if he goes on court. We’ll have to see if his health improves by tomorrow and how much effort we can give.”
Previous Matches Between Alcaraz and Rublev
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These two players are no strangers to each other. Rublev defeated Alcaraz at the Madrid Open earlier this year, but lost in the ATP Finals group stage last year. At that time, Alcaraz was also in a must-win situation, and he managed to defeat Rublev before going on to beat Daniil Medvedev to progress past the group stage. However, Alcaraz’s journey ended with a loss to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
This season, Alcaraz has put up an impressive record with 52 wins and only 12 losses, capturing four titles, including two Grand Slams. His most recent victory was at the China Open, where he defeated Jannik Sinner in the final. However, the end of the season has consistently posed a challenge for Alcaraz since he turned professional, as he was eliminated early in the Cincinnati Masters, the US Open, and the Paris Masters, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining peak performance throughout a long season.
Health Issues – An Unexpected Factor in Alcaraz’s Career
This recent health issue not only impacts Alcaraz in the ATP Finals but also raises concerns about his ability to sustain his performance over the long term. Although he has immense potential and well-rounded skills, Alcaraz now faces the challenge of maintaining physical stability throughout the season, which is not easy for many young players.
Ferrero, who has coached Alcaraz since the early days of his professional career, understands the importance of health and physical fitness for his protégé. He explained, “Health is a decisive factor in high-level tennis, and we won’t take risks if Alcaraz isn’t at 100%.”
Fans’ Expectations and Alcaraz’s Future
Despite the uncertainty, Alcaraz fans hope he will recover soon and continue to compete at the ATP Finals, where he could face top competitors like Rublev, Medvedev, and Djokovic. If Alcaraz manages to overcome this difficult period and play, it would be a testament to the mental strength and resilience of this rising star in world tennis.
This year’s ATP Finals is not only an opportunity for Alcaraz to compete for a title but also a chance for him to prove his ability to overcome adversity. Fans hope to see a strong and determined Alcaraz—a symbol of perseverance and relentless effort—even though his health isn’t on his side.
The upcoming match between Alcaraz and Rublev promises to be one of the most anticipated showdowns at the ATP Finals, and everyone is eager to find out if the young Spanish player can return to the court and achieve something remarkable.
