"They cause an unpleasant sensation" - The fascinating method Carlos Alcaraz uses in training to get the edge over his rivals

Every professional tennis player will do anything they can to get to the top of the sport, using every advantage they can get a hold of no matter what it is. World number one Carlos Alcaraz is no exception to this as he fights for the ATP Finals title in Turin.

He goes to the event for the third time. He has previously made the semi-final in 2023 before shockingly unable to out of the group in last year's edition. He has commenced this year's edition with two wins against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.

The six-time Grand Slam champion was spotted with black bands on his legs while warming-up in Turin. These bands are known as occlusion bands. He utilises them in his training whether on the court or in the gym, first starting with his arms before moving down to his legs. They restrict the blood flow and circulation to the limbs. This benefits athletes as it aids strengthening their muscles and help get their body in the perfect shape ahead of competition.

While Alcaraz uses it for training, that is not its purpose. "Badminton player Carolina Marin used them during recovery from a serious knee injury," Pedro L. Valenzuela said, researcher at Madrid's 12 de Octubre Hospital. "From there, they spread to athletes in general, because blood restriction helps build muscle even with low loads."

Originally made to help recovery from injury, the muscles work even harder when doing activities, no matter how hard or heavy it is. These bands serve a key purpose for Alcaraz, and it it not rehabilitation. The bands cut off the circulation for up to five minutes. The blood will then come flowing back around the body primarily intended for the muscles. Much needed oxygen will return while also increasing mobility. It can also help in preparation for a match, improving a certain player when on the court.

Despite this, it is not the nicest experience. "Some people don't like them because they cause an unpleasant sensation," Valenzuela said. "It's what we call the nocebo effect. It's like having your blood pressure taken for five minutes: your feet start to go numb, you feel a tingling sensation... Some people don't want to use them."

The technique must be working for Alcaraz, who has utilised them to great effect in his tennis career. In 2025, he has clinched eight titles including two Grand Slam triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open. There is still one big title not on his cv: the ATP Finals. He will be hoping to take that next leap in his career and put his name on the coveted trophy alongsde his arch-rival Jannik Sinner. 

The Spaniard kicked off his campaign in the perfect fashion: a straight sets win over de Minaur. After an evenly matched first set where Alcaraz clinched a tight tiebreaker, he proved to be too strong for the Aussie in the second set as he raced away to a winning start. It was not as simple against Fritz in the duo's second match in the Jimmy Connors group. In their last three meetings, they both came away victories. While Fritz clinched his first victory over a number one ranked player in the Laver Cup, Alcaraz extracted his revenge in the final of the Japan Open in a remarkable performance before dashing his hopes in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam.

He would have to be at his best to fend off an electric Fritz who took the opening set. The American was keeping pace with Alcaraz, but two breaks n the world number six's serve inflicted enough damage. Alcaraz took his second victory and tops the group. Despite this, he is not yet through and will have to wait until tomorrow's matchup against Lorenzo Musetti to get over the line. To find out the permutations in Turin, follow our ATP Finals coverage here.