Carlos Alcaraz is facing not just his rivals but also a pesky illness at the 2024 ATP Finals. Timing is everything for athletes, especially top-tier tennis players who aim to peak during major tournaments and events like the ATP Finals, where big rewards await. Unfortunately, just before this important event, Alcaraz fell ill.
His first match against Casper Ruud didn’t go well as he struggled to find his rhythm due to the sickness. The loss made it seem unlikely that he’d make it to the semi-finals. There was even talk of him possibly withdrawing from the tournament altogether; however, after a decent practice session on Wednesday morning, he decided to continue.
Alcaraz then faced Andrey Rublev wearing a pink nasal strip —a tool he’d used in practice—to help him breathe better. Fans might wonder if this new accessory will become part of his regular gear! In a surprising turn of events, he played much better and won in straight sets against Rublev, keeping his hopes alive for reaching the semis.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| es Carlos Alcaraz | 21 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
Alcaraz’s New Strategy:
After this victory, questions about his nasal strip were inevitable. He was asked if he’d keep using it beyond the finals since Nicolas Jarry wears one all the time. “Yeah,” he said with a smile, “I know Jarry wears that thing in the nose… It helped me today.” He’s planning on using it more often because it really improved his breathing and recovery during matches.
He’s been trying various methods to stay competitive despite being under the weather. His physio applied some cream on his chest during practices to aid breathing too. During changeovers in matches, Alcaraz was seen sniffing something meant to help him breathe easier—another tactic he’s employing while battling illness.
Next up for Alcaraz is Alexander Zverev in what could be a decisive match for advancing further in the tournament. Winning is crucial if he wants any chance of moving forward.
What do you think? Will Alcaraz’s new tactics lead him to victory?
