Carlos Alcaraz's chances of being 100% for his next match at the ATP Finals do not seem high after an update from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz prepared well for the ATP Finals. Ferrero installed a court similar to the one used at the season-ending tournament at his academy for the 21-year-old to practice on before flying to Turin for the event.
The Spaniard also spoke confidently in a press conference before the tournament began, saying he did not expect to be more nervous before his opening match at the ATP Finals despite the event's significance.
However, Alcaraz's chances of making a positive start were impacted by an illness he sustained before his opening match against Casper Ruud. That illness visibly hampered the four-time Grand Slam champion from start to finish against the Norwegian.
Alcaraz lost 6-1, 7-5 to Ruud. After playing terribly in the opening set by his very high standards, he blew a 5-2 lead in the second set to succumb to a straight sets defeat in Italy.
Although a disappointing defeat, it was not terminal to Alcaraz's chances. Two victories out of three matches in the ATP or WTA Finals round-robin stage are usually enough to qualify. Iga Swiatek's elimination from the 2024 WTA Finals with two wins was a rare exception.
But there were worrying scenes on Tuesday when Alcaraz ended a practice session after just ten minutes. The Spaniard did not play any intense rallies during that period before he and his team decided it would be better not to continue.
That footage of Alcaraz raised fears that he might not be able to play against Andrey Rublev on Wednesday and could withdraw from the tournament to ensure his fitness for next week's Davis Cup Finals.
Ferrero spoke to reporters at the ATP Finals about Alcaraz's health. While he does not expect his player to withdraw from the match against Rublev, Ferrero admitted the 21-year-old would probably not be at 100%.
"As soon as he moves a little, he has trouble breathing. His chest is a little tight. A bad time to get sick. We must not anticipate whether he will play or not tomorrow. We have all played in these circumstances. I think he will not get to the point where he will not go on court. It will be difficult for him to be 100% tomorrow."
Rafael Nadal's final appearance before retirement is next week's Davis Cup Finals, and he is expected to play doubles with Alcaraz for Team Spain. That might have made it tempting for the world No. 3 to pull out of the ATP Finals if he is not 100% to prepare for the Davis Cup Finals instead.
Alcaraz's struggles in indoor conditions make his illness even more problematic. He has yet to reach a final at an indoor tournament, even when 100% fit and healthy. Because of his ongoing illness, Alcaraz may need to produce some magic to overcome Rublev.
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