Alcaraz reinvigorated by win over Rublev: “I’ve been struggling with my confidence lately. This really helps”
The Spaniard beat Andrey Rublev on Wednesday to keep alive his hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Finals
Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic
Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz says he felt reinvigorated after his win over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday admitting he has been struggling of late.
The world No 2 saw off Rublev 7-6, 6-2 in Turin on Wednesday and with one round-robin match to come – against Daniil Medvedev on Friday, he can still qualify for the semi-finals.
“I’m really, really happy with the win today,” Alcaraz told reporters. “Beating Rublev, he is a great player, it gives you a lot of confidence. Obviously it’s a little bit more special to win after the lose in the first match. It was really, really tough for me.
“You could see I’ve been struggling with my level the last few months, few tournaments. Playing this match in this quality, at this level, it’s really helpful for me coming into the third one. I’m really happy to show this level and realize that my level is still there, giving myself a chance in this tournament.”
Alcaraz: “After this win, everything has changed in my mind”
On the fast courts laid down for this year’s event, Alcaraz looked a little out of sorts in his opening defeat by Alexander Zverev but was much more himself against Rublev.
And it seems there’s nothing a good win when it comes to motivation for the rest of the event.
“After this win, everything has changed in my mind,” he said. “I’m going to prepare the match the same way that I did today. I will try to show my best and I will try to beat Medvedev.
“The last match he beat me, playing a high level. I will try to take that match in the US Open and I will try to be better. I’m going to take the positive things and the negative things about this match, and I’ll try to do it as best as I can on Friday.
“I’m not thinking about the vacations right now. I’m thinking to do my best and try to (qualify) into the semi-final in this amazing tournament.”
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