Resurgent Alcaraz sees off below-par Rublev in straight sets

Updated 15/11/2023 at 16:36 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz picked up his first win at this year’s ATP Finals with a comfortable 7-5 6-2 win over Andrey Rublev. Despite a defeat in his opening match against Alexander Zverev, the second seed showed no lasting hangover as he eased to victory over his Russian opponent, who looked to be struggling. Alcaraz faces Danill Medvedev next with a spot in the last four on the line.

Highlights: Alcaraz bounces back from opening game loss to secure first ATP Finals win

Carlos Alcaraz said he hit a “totally different level” as he bounced back from defeat to Alexander Zverev to beat Andrey Rublev in straight sets at the ATP Finals.

Needing victory to give himself a chance of reaching the semi-finals, Alcaraz put in a professional performance to dispatch Rublev 7-5 6-2 in Turin.

“It was a totally different match and level from me. This is the level I have to play if I want to give myself a chance in this amazing tournament,” Alcaraz said.

“Yesterday was a good day for me in practice to find the level I needed to show today and I think I did pretty well. I am very happy with my level.”

Both men comfortably held in the opening exchanges with some impressive first serves refusing the other any avenue to respond.

This continued until 4-4 when Alcaraz stepped up to put pressure on the Russian and force break point.

Rublev was able to save it to maintain parity but needed a lengthy time out as he appeared to feel some physical discomfort.

No. 2 seed Alcaraz found his rhythm as Rublev seemed to be sapped of energy and reeled off three games in a row to take a one-set lead.

Rublev knew his first serve was his main weapon if he was to find a way back into the match but saw a 40-15 lead at the start of the second set evaporate as the Spaniard broke for an early advantage.

An easy hold followed but Rublev rallied to end a five-game losing run and put himself on the board.

Alcaraz held again as Rublev demonstrated visible frustration with his game and the Spaniard then produced a stunning forehand return to set up another break point.

Alcaraz ‘really happy’ to get back to winning ways with victory over Rublev

However, Rublev clung on and held again but was totally downbeat on his next service game as he was broken to love, handing Alcaraz the chance to serve out the match.

The 20-year-old set up three match points but only needed one as he casually watched a wayward Rublev forehand return sail way over the baseline for victory.

“I need to relax. It is really, really fast the court,” Alcaraz said after the match.

“I need to hit first. You need to be more aggressive than your opponent. I think that is key if you want to have chances in this tournament.”

Alcaraz faces Danill Medvedev in his final Red Group match on Friday, with the Russian first facing Zverev later on Wednesday evening.

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