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Alcaraz Bounces Back Against Rublev at ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback at the ATP Finals in Turin, defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (10-8). This victory revives Alcaraz’s hopes of advancing in the tournament, especially after he faced respiratory issues earlier in the week, which contributed to his loss to Casper Ruud in the opening round-robin match.

As the third seed, Alcaraz aims to secure his first ATP Finals title. His performance against Rublev marked a significant improvement, as he capitalized on Rublev’s mistakes and displayed heightened energy and precision on the court, leading Rublev to his second consecutive defeat in the tournament.

Looming later in the day, Alexander Zverev solidified his position toward the semi-finals by defeating Ruud in straight sets, further intensifying the stakes for Alcaraz in his upcoming match.

In the matchup against Rublev, Alcaraz crucially broke his opponent’s serve after a competitive start that saw both players sharing the opening six games. Following a brilliant forehand winner, Alcaraz shifted momentum and won five consecutive games to take command of the match. Despite Rublev’s attempts to rally in the second set, including a missed opportunity for break points, Alcaraz’s solid serving saw the match head into a tight tiebreaker where he ultimately prevailed.

This latest loss extends Rublev’s streak of defeats at the ATP Finals, as he has now seen six consecutive matches end in straight sets since reaching the semi-finals in 2022. Alcaraz, meanwhile, is aware of the challenges ahead and realizes he must triumph over Zverev in his final group match to advance to the semi-finals.

Alcaraz Reflects on His Performance

Alcaraz: I Surprised Myself Today

Carlos Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I surprised myself a lot. The way I played today from the baseline, I was really calm and tried to just focus on my game and what I had to do – forget that I’m not really feeling well.” He emphasized the importance of putting aside outside struggles when on the court, indicating a strong mental approach to his game.

Looking ahead to his clash with Zverev, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge, praising Zverev’s current form: “He is one of the toughest players in the world right now, that’s for sure.” Alcaraz intends to replicate his positive attitude and performance from the match against Rublev.

Laura Robson: A Complete Turnaround for Alcaraz

Commenting on Alcaraz’s performance, Sky Sports’ Laura Robson noted the significant change in his attitude since the loss to Ruud. She remarked, “He played with enjoyment again, got the crowd involved, went for the fun shots – and that’s what was missing against Ruud. A complete turnaround.” Robson highlighted that although Rublev had opportunities in the second set, he ultimately could not capitalize on them.

Tournament Overview: John Newcombe Group Dynamics

Zverev’s Dominance Continues

In a later match, Zverev defeated Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3, showcasing his strong serving and overall game proficiency. With this victory, Zverev has positioned himself as a leading contender in the John Newcombe group, essentially securing his spot in the semi-finals.

Zverev reflected on his performance, noting, “I do feel quite good on the serve. I do feel like I’m hitting my spots well and my speed is up from the last few weeks.” As both Zverev and Alcaraz prepare for their upcoming match, a competitive encounter is anticipated, considering their historical rivalry in significant tournaments.

Tim Henman Comments on Ruud’s Performance

Former tennis player Tim Henman provided insight into Ruud’s recent performances, suggesting that he played well but faced challenges adapting to the conditions of the tournament. “When it’s that level, you can’t afford to blink, and it proved costly,” Henman remarked. He acknowledged Zverev’s strong serving, which played a pivotal role in securing the match.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches at the ATP Finals

As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will be on Alcaraz’s match against Zverev, which will determine his fate in the competition. Meanwhile, other matches include Taylor Fritz facing Alex de Minaur and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner going up against fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, promising fans an exciting day of tennis action.

Source
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