Highlights: Alcaraz Defeats Rublev at ATP Finals; Ruud Falls Short of Semifinals

Carlos Alcaraz earned his first victory at the ATP Finals on Wednesday, defeating Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) in a thrilling match. This win lifted him from the bottom of the John Newcombe Group, showing improvement despite recent health challenges with fatigue and illness.

Ahead of the match, there were concerns about Alcaraz’s fitness after he ended a training session early on Tuesday due to breathing issues, according to his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Alcaraz acknowledged his condition, saying he wasn’t feeling his best but was determined to perform. “Today I really wanted to focus on tennis and try to play at a high level. In my first match, I didn’t feel I entertained the crowd or played my best,” he said.

Alcaraz took the first set in 38 minutes, breaking Rublev in the seventh game and then securing the next two games to gain the lead. Though the second set proved more challenging, Alcaraz thrilled spectators with impressive shots, hinting he might be regaining his form.

Meanwhile, Rublev, now in last place after six consecutive Finals losses, had chances to take the second set but ultimately fell short. Alcaraz’s straight-sets win meant Casper Ruud could have reached the semifinals early with a victory over Alexander Zverev later that day.

However, Zverev delivered a strong performance, defeating Ruud 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 to nearly secure his spot in the semifinals with two wins from two matches. After a closely contested first set, Zverev took control in the tie-break and later broke Ruud in the second set’s eighth game, sealing the match with a love service game.

Reflecting on the match, Zverev said, “It was a very close match, with a few points deciding the first set. I thought the level was high from both of us.”

Zverev will face Alcaraz in his final group-stage match on Friday, while Ruud plays against Rublev. Meanwhile, on Thursday, world number one Jannik Sinner will advance to the semifinals if he wins a single set against Daniil Medvedev, which would also secure him the top spot in the Ilie Nastase Group with a third consecutive win.