Carlos Alcaraz v Andrey Rublev: ATP Finals tennis – live | ATP Finals

Alcaraz wins the primary set 6-3!

First set: Rublev* 3-5 Alcaraz (*denotes subsequent server)

From 0-30 down on his serve, Alcaraz pulls again with a forehand that brings the attribute muscle squeeze celebration. A 217km serve ranges issues up. Rublev hits lengthy and kicks the air in frustration as the possibility of an instantaneous break again fades away. He should serve to remain within the set.

First set: Rublev 3-4 Alcaraz* (*denotes subsequent server)

A high-stakes rally sends the heavy respiratory Alcaraz from nook to nook, however a rogue shot, and double fault and Rublev has all of a sudden fallen again to deuce on his serve. Alcaraz takes benefit and has the primary break of serve in his pocket.

First set: Rublev* 3-3 Alcaraz (*denotes subsequent server) A screaming cross courtroom forehand to start out the sport, a leaping fizzer down the road to go forward, a intelligent method to the web to take his service recreation to like.

First set: Rublev 3-2 Alcaraz* (*denotes subsequent server)

The total crowd roars as Alcaraz feathers a drop shot to convey him the primary break factors of the sport. Rublev saves one, flawed footing his opponent, and the following as Alcaraz nets a backhand. A back-peddling smash and a giant serve ensures Rublev holds.

First set: Rublev* 2-2 Alcaraz (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz flies by means of the primary three factors, Rublev pulls again one however Alcaraz swiftly squashes any hope of a comeback. Rublxv works him by means of a rally although – a great tactic in opposition to a person not in prime well being.

First set: Rublev 2-1 Alcaraz* (*denotes subsequent server)

Plenty of nook to nook hitting, neatly contained in the traces. Alcaraz is visibly puffing after (successful) a testing rally. Rublev fluffs a backhand to let him again within the recreation, then Alcaraz a forehand to return the favour.

First set: Rublev* 1-1 Alcaraz (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz, in lavender shorts and lavender and turquoise T-shirt, begins with an ace. Rublev inches in entrance with an inside out whippy forehand. We’ve our first deuce after Alcraraz simply overhits a backhand to complete a cracking rally, however he takes the sport.

First set: Rublev 1-0 Alcaraz* (*denotes subsequent server)

Rublev is keen to get going, bouncing round in his trainers ready for Alcaraz, and whistles by means of the opening recreation to fifteen earlier than chomping on a banana.

Coin toss: Rublev who elects to serve

Ws spot Rublev now within the tunnel, working by means of a observe shot together with his physio, all messy mop of purple hair.

Head to heads

It hasn’t been a foul yr for Alcaraz. He’s collected the French Open and Wimbledon titles, Indian Wells, Beijing, plus reaching (if shedding) the Olympic last in Paris. He has, although, solely pocketed one title since Wimbledon in mid July.

And there’s Alcaraz himself, rolling round on a mat in headphones, flicking by means of just a few downward canines in a pair of lavender shorts.

Information from the Ilie Natase group: Sinner sits on prime, adopted by Fritz, Medvedev and de Minaur – with all 4 nonetheless in competition.

Alcaraz replace: he had an easy-going warm-up this morning, however is – apparently – raring to go.

Simply getting some superb footage of Turin on a crisp winter’s day, the Po flowing with feeling. On display screen, Tim Henman, Laura Robson and Gigi Salmon are raving in regards to the services.

Thought Jake Paul turning to boxing was random? How a couple of pro-footballer dedicating himself to tennis. A beautiful piece by Tumaini Carayol on Diego Forlán, previously of Man United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter.

Already this morning, the lads’s doubles favourites Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo have clocked up a comparatively simple win in opposition to Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden: 7-5, 6-3.

Whereas we wait, you have been most likely questioning who had one of the best hair in males’s tennis?

Preamble