Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of men's tennis, has faced a setback in his quest for glory at the prestigious ATP Finals. The four-time Grand Slam champion's defeat to Casper Ruud has shed light on his physical condition, with the Spaniard revealing that he had been unwell even before arriving in Turin.

Alcaraz's Illness Casts Shadow on ATP Finals Debut

Struggling with Sickness, Alcaraz Succumbs to Ruud

The 21-year-old Alcaraz was outmatched by world No. 7 Ruud, who secured a convincing 6-1, 7-5 victory in their opening round-robin match. Alcaraz, who had previously dominated the Norwegian in their four previous encounters, was unable to replicate his past success, admitting that he "didn't feel well on court."Alcaraz's struggles were evident throughout the match, as he was broken twice in each set and lost five consecutive games after taking a 5-2 lead in the second set. The Spaniard's inability to maintain his composure and capitalize on his early advantage highlighted the impact of his physical condition on his performance.

Alcaraz Reveals Pre-Tournament Illness

In his post-match press conference, Alcaraz provided further insight into his physical state, revealing that he had fallen ill a few days before arriving in Turin. While he had been able to practice and felt "okay" during the sessions, the world No. 3 acknowledged that the match experience was "totally different" and that he struggled to maintain his energy levels, particularly after long rallies.Alcaraz's candid admission about his physical struggles underscores the challenges that even the top players face in the demanding world of professional tennis. The young prodigy's illness has cast a shadow over his highly anticipated debut at the ATP Finals, raising concerns about his ability to bounce back and compete at the highest level.

Alcaraz Faces Tough Remaining Fixtures

With two more group-stage matches against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz will need to overcome his physical setbacks and regain his form if he hopes to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. The Spaniard's resilience and adaptability will be put to the test as he navigates the challenges posed by his illness and the formidable opponents he will face.Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains one of the most promising talents in the sport, and his fans will be eager to see him bounce back and showcase his exceptional skills on the grandest stage of the ATP Tour. As the ATP Finals unfold, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Alcaraz, as the young phenom looks to overcome his illness and make a lasting impact on the prestigious year-end event.