Carlos Alcaraz’s start at the ATP Finals has been challenging, with his loss to Casper Ruud highlighting his struggles on indoor courts. Ranked third globally, Alcaraz entered the tournament with a successful season behind him, including four title wins and Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon and Roland Garros. However, indoor play appears to test the adaptability of his game. French tennis analyst Julien Varlet noted that Alcaraz’s creative, point-by-point style—which is dynamic on clay and grass—doesn’t mesh as well with the repetitive, mechanical shot-making that indoor courts demand.
Adding to the challenge are Alcaraz’s health issues, which he’s been managing throughout the tournament. He has reportedly been dealing with tightness in his chest, making it difficult to breathe, which his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero described as particularly tough timing for the ATP Finals. Alcaraz also revealed that he’s been experimenting with some unplanned adjustments on court, embracing an instinctual approach that brings out his creativity but sometimes at the cost of consistency.
With upcoming matches, including a face-off against Andrey Rublev, Alcaraz will need to recover quickly and perhaps find ways to channel his spontaneous style into a more structured approach to handle the high intensity of indoor play. Fans and analysts are closely watching to see if he can adapt and reclaim his momentum as the tournament progresses.