The ATP Finals have kicked off in style, and the buzz is electric as fans watch the Top 8 players battle it out for the coveted title. But while excitement fills the arena, not all players might be feeling that same thrill—especially Carlos Alcaraz. For the Spanish sensation, it’s not just the competition he’s up against but his own health. With an untimely sickness hitting just before the tournament, Alcaraz is likely feeling the pressure in a whole new way. Can he fight through the setback and still shine on the big stage? 

The Spanish tennis sensation is all set to start his ATP Finals campaign on Monday. He will play against Casper Ruud in an attempt to outshine the Norwegian star to mark a sensational beginning. However, right before his match, the Spaniard is facing a major scare in terms of health as per the latest video which is surfacing on the internet.

In a video that surfaced on X, Alcaraz seems to be battling with a cold and blocked nose. He was seen going towards the side of the courts during his training sessions and wiping his nose with a tissue as he looked visibly struggling. Now, this comes at a time when the star player would be eying to end the year with yet another title under his belt by taking on the likes of Jannik Sinner. 

Remember, although Sinner and Alcaraz are not in the same group, they might face each other in the semi-finals or finals, provided both of them manage to perform exuberantly. And with three victories against the Italian player this season in their three encounters, Alcaraz would be confident enough to take on the World No. 1. Interestingly, this is not the first when Alcaraz is facing such a struggle before a crucial tournament. 

The 21-year-old faced a muscle tear right before the ATP finals in 2022 and failed to appear for the event. Taking to his X, he highlighted the importance of the tournament and expressed how saddening it was for him to not compete in the tournament, given his injury which took six weeks to cure. “Unfortunately I won’t make the ATP Finals or the Davis Cup Finals. It is tough and painful for me to miss these two events, which are so important to me, but all I can do is be positive and focus on my recovery,” he wrote back then. Last year too, he failed to clinch the title after losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Now, with the ultimate glory in sight once again, it would be interesting to see if the star player can overcome his woes and play remarkably against his opponents. But despite the challenges he might be facing, the 4-time Grand Slam champion is motivated enough to outshine his opponents. 

“Came here with the goal to win” Carlos Alcaraz makes true admission before ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz has been on a sensational run this season. He has already clinched four titles this year which includes 2 Grand Slams. Besides, he also bagged the silver medal in the Olympics. Now, with the ATP Finals taking off, Alcaraz is gearing up to win yet another title, as he makes his goals clear for the tournament. 

Speaking to ATP media ahead of the tournament, the Spaniard said, “I come here with the goal to win. I want to put this trophy next to the others and it is a good goal. I am playing against the best players in the world, so I need to play my best.” He also highlighted his mindset in an interview with Marca depicting that he is not afraid of the threat he might witness from players like Jannik Sinner. 

When quizzed about Sinner’s absence in his group during an interview with Marca, Alcaraz said, “It didn’t matter to me, it didn’t matter to me because in the end the eight best players in the world play here and to be the best you have to beat the best.” Now it would be interesting to see if Alcaraz will be able to keep his dominant side intact and take on his opponents with intense grit despite the latest sickness he seems to be facing.