On Monday, Casper Ruud rolled over Carlos Alcaraz in the first round of the ATP Finals. After losing in straight sets to Ruud, Alcaraz gave three excuses for his poor play. One of the most important reasons was his health.

Taylor Fritz, the U.S. Open finalist who lost to Sinner in New York, was also drawn in the Italian’s group alongside Australian Alex De Minaur, making his ATP Tour Finals debut; Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, who qualified as world No. 9 after Novak Djokovic withdrew, rounded out the second group.

Carlos Alcaraz had his drop shot clicking and it helped him overcome physical issues to claim a 6-3, 7-6 (8) victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. The win put Alcaraz back into contention for a spot in the semifinals of the year-ending tournament for the top eight players,

Carlos Alcaraz overcame physical issues to beat Andrey Rublev and stay in contention for a spot in the semifinals at the ATP Finals.

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of staying in the ATP Finals are hanging by a thread. The Spaniard hasn’t been at full capacity in Turin for this season-ending finale, but he has battled hard to remain competitive.

Carlos Alcaraz addressed his outstanding record against players in the top 10 of the rankings after keeping his 2024 ATP Finals hopes alive. The world No 3 defeated Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6(8) in his second group stage match in Turin after losing his opener to Casper Ruud.