Alcaraz Secures First Win at ATP Finals, Zverev Dominates Ruud
Carlos Alcaraz bounced back at the ATP Finals on Wednesday, delivering an entertaining 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) victory over Andrey Rublev. Meanwhile, Casper Ruud missed a crucial opportunity to advance to the semifinals after falling in straight sets to Alexander Zverev.
World No. 3 Alcaraz, who had struggled with fatigue and illness leading up to the match, showed marked improvement after losing his opening match to Ruud. Despite concerns about his health, Alcaraz expressed his determination to focus solely on tennis during the match.
“I could be better, I’m not going to lie,” he admitted on court. “I’ve been struggling with my health the last week… Today I really wanted to step on the court and just think about tennis.”
Alcaraz quickly took control of the first set, breaking Rublev in the seventh game and sealing it in just 38 minutes. The second set proved more challenging, but the Spaniard thrilled the crowd with impressive shots, hinting at a return to form.
Rublev, now at the bottom of the group with six consecutive Finals losses, fought hard and had two chances to win the second set but ultimately fell short.
In the day’s late match, Zverev secured his spot in the semifinals by defeating Ruud 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. Zverev’s victory means he can eliminate Alcaraz in their upcoming match on Friday, while Ruud faces Rublev.
On Thursday, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner can clinch a semifinal berth with just a single set win against Daniil Medvedev, aiming for a third consecutive victory in the Ilie Nastase Group.
