ALCARAZ OVERCOMES ILLNESS AND RUBLEV

Spaniard blocks out health struggles to improve to 1-1 in Turin, faces Zverev next

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Carlos Alcaraz was clearly not at his 100 per cent on Nov 13, but the ill Spaniard looked a lot better than in his last match, and that was enough for him to clinch victory.

The world No. 3, who was sporting a bright pink nasal strip to aid his breathing, overcame the virus and Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (10-8) to improve to 1-1 in the ATP Finals John Newcombe Group.

"I could be better. I've been struggling with my health the last week," Alcaraz said.

"Once you step on the court, you have to forget everything you're struggling with outside the court.

"Today I thought I was going to feel better. I was OK enough to play, and today I really wanted to step on the court and just show good tennis and play a high level. I try to show the people a good time to try to make them happy.

"When I got off the court from the first match, I felt like I didn't entertain the people or play good tennis. I tried to do it today and I think I played really good tennis."

The reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion cruised to the first set in 38 minutes, breaking Rublev in the seventh game and quickly winning the next two to go one set ahead.