MATCH REPORT | 2023 ATP Finals: Carlos ALCARAZ achieves first victory with dominant display against Andrey RUBLEV

Carlos Alcaraz achieved his first victory at the 2023 ATP Finals with a dominant display against Andrey Rublev, winning their clash 7-5, 6-2.

The World No. 2 had a tricky start to the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, losing his first match against Alexander Zverev after a three-set battle. However, he came back in much better form today to down Rublev in straight sets in what was their first meeting on the ATP Tour.

Meanwhile, the Russian player lost his first Group Stage clash against Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 2-6, meaning that today was another blow. There were reports that Rublev was late to walk out onto the court due to feeling unwell, and he was seen coughing throughout the match.

The players seemed pretty even for the first part of the match, with both men holding their serve, pulling off some impressive shots but not really managing to threaten their opponent. However, things started to move the way of the Spaniard at 4-4, when he took Rublev's service game to a deuce. Although the World No. 5 was able to hold, he gave a concerned look to his team.

This concern turned out to be warranted, as Alcaraz pushed Rublev's next service game to a deuce before getting the advantage and break point. An error from Rublev then sealed the deal and Alcaraz was in a position to serve for the set, which he did with great success to win the opener.

Alcaraz stayed composed in the second set while Rublev's emotions began to spiral from pretty early on. The 20-year-old took the latter's first service game to a deuce before a break point saw Rublev throw his racket on the ground. As he struggled with illness and frustration, Alcaraz got the early break.

From there, it was difficult for Rublev to get back in the match, and Alcaraz successfully converted a double break point at 4-2, thus giving him the chance to serve for the match. At this point, the two-time Grand Slam champion built up three match points with a 40-0 lead in the game, while Rublev looked increasingly exhausted.

Alcaraz's first-ever victory was then sealed after a strong serve saw his opponent hit the return out. He will be up against third seed Daniil Medvedev next, when the Red Group members will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals, while Rublev will face Zverev in his last Group Stage match.