Carlos Alcaraz confronts health struggles after his defeat to Casper Ruud at the 2024 ATP Finals, revealing illness and discomfort during the match while looking ahead to upcoming challenges against Rublev and Zverev.
Carlos Alcaraz provided an honest update regarding his health after his disappointing defeat to Casper Ruud at the 2024 ATP Finals, highlighting the physical difficulties he encountered during the match.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, acknowledged that he was not at his best while suffering a 6-1, 7-5 loss to the world No. 7. Although he had a lead of 5-2 in the second set, Alcaraz stumbled, conceding five consecutive games and ultimately losing the match in straight sets.
This loss was a significant departure from the four prior encounters between the two players, where Alcaraz had been dominant, conceding just one set. Ruud came to Turin following a challenging period, having lost seven out of his last eight matches and not achieving back-to-back wins since reaching the last 16 at the US Open. However, it was the Norwegian who delivered a more impressive performance on this occasion, capitalizing on Alcaraz's difficulties.
Following the match, Alcaraz quickly praised Ruud for his performance while also being candid about his own physical condition, admitting that he was not at his peak. 'I felt unwell on the court,' Alcaraz stated in his post-match interview. 'It doesn't matter how many times I've won against Casper. He’s a challenging opponent, and today he played exceptionally well, but I know I could have performed better.'
The Spanish player elaborated on his difficulties, disclosing that he had been dealing with illness prior to his arrival in Turin. 'A few days before coming here, I was unwell at home,' he noted. 'I felt alright during practice here—nothing extraordinary, but bearable. Yet, on match day, it was a completely different situation.'
Alcaraz detailed the discomfort he experienced during extended rallies, particularly a stomach problem that intensified as the match went on. 'This morning, I was feeling uneasy in my stomach. After lengthy rallies, I was unable to find my rhythm. I don’t wish to make excuses, but the fact is, I felt unwell. That was the reality today.'
As he looks to the future, Alcaraz is set to compete against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in his upcoming group-stage matches. Rublev and Zverev will clash in the second match of the John Newcombe Group on Monday, which will play a significant role in deciding the final standings within the group.
Although this defeat puts Alcaraz's ATP Finals journey at risk, his admission of the physical difficulties he encountered highlights the immense pressure and obstacles that top players encounter in high-stakes competition. The next few days will determine whether he can bounce back from this challenge and reclaim the performance that has established him as one of the most thrilling talents in men's tennis.
