Carlos Alcaraz showed the heart of a lion by stepping off his sick bed to beat Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals.
For a little while, the 21-year-old’s participation at the event in Turin was in jeopardy.
It’s not clear what has been wrong with Alcaraz but yesterday his practice session was cut short to spark much speculation.
Jamie Delgado felt Alcaraz would play as he tuned first reserve Grigor Dimitrov up just in case the Spaniard didn’t make it.
Alcaraz was beaten 6-1, 7-5 by Casper Ruud in his opening group match and defeat here would have left him in a perilous position.
However, when the chips were down, Alcaraz stood tall to claim a straight-sets victory over Rublev.
Carlos Alcaraz delivers post-match fitness update after ATP Finals victory
The Wimbledon and French Open champion came through in relatively smooth style against Rublev.
He won 6-3, 7-6, winning the tie-breaker 10-8 and he can now look forward to a game against Alexander Zverev tomorrow.
Alcaraz is one player that the fans have paid their money to see and whilst he remains involved, there is every chance he could win the tournament.
After the match against Rublev, he was asked how he was feeling and he delivered an intriguing response.
He told Sky Sports Tennis: “I could be better. I could be healthier. I just tried to forget the things that are going on right now and step on the court and play good tennis, and try not to think about my injuries right now.
“I am struggling the last week and I think I am going to stay struggling for the next day for sure.”
Alcaraz aiming for maiden ATP Finals title
Last year, Alcaraz was beaten at the semi-final stage and he will want to go a couple of steps further this time around.
The talented player has nothing to prove this year and with four Grand Slams already to his name, he knows how to win big titles.
His illness is clearly a problem and the hope will be that with another 24 hours of rest, he can be close to a clean bill of health against Zverev.
The number two seed will definitely provide a sterner test for Alcaraz and he will perhaps need to up the ante from his bout with Rublev.
Ultimately, however, Alcaraz can never be discounted.
He has a huge heart and much like his compatriot, Rafael Nadal, he never knows when he’s beaten on a tennis court.
It’s somewhat sad that he’s not quite at his best and the hope will be that he can showcase his best tennis at some point in this tournament.
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