Alcaraz Withdraws from Training Before Match Against Rublev

Carlos Alcaraz's situation at the ATP Finals is not improving. The Spaniard withdrew from Tuesday's training session before the match against Andrey Rublev after not feeling well due to the cold he has been suffering from for days.

According to Spanish media present in Turin, where the Masters Tournament is taking place this week, Alcaraz lasted only five minutes with American Andres Martin, a college champion who is at the tournament as a 'sparring' partner.

Alcaraz lost to Casper Ruud on Monday in his first match of the ATP Finals, marking his first defeat in five encounters against the Norwegian. After the match, he confirmed that he has been dealing with an issue for days.

"Before coming to Turin, I got sick. The days I trained here, I felt okay. Not great, but okay. I could play. I felt I could engage in exchanges during training, but then in matches, it's completely different. Today I didn't feel well, and this morning my stomach hurt. I didn't want to say it to avoid it sounding like an excuse, but yes, I feel bad, I feel bad," the Spaniard explained in a press conference.

The feelings he conveyed on Tuesday in the session against Martin are not the best, but the Spaniard will try to be on the court against Rublev in the second match of the Finals. If he does not win, he will be eliminated from the tournament.

Alcaraz and Rublev have faced each other twice in the tournament, with one victory each. The Russian defeated him this year at the Madrid Masters 1000, while the Spaniard won in the group stage of last year's ATP Finals.

The Muscovite also did not start his participation in Turin well, losing 6-4, 6-4 to Alexander Zverev. Additionally, Rublev has lost four of his last five matches, only defeating Lorenzo Sonego in the first round in Metz.