Carlos Alcaraz was clearly not at his 100 per cent on Nov 13, but the ill Spaniard looked a lot better than in his last match, and that was enough for him to clinch victory.
The world No. 3, who was sporting a bright pink nasal strip to aid his breathing, overcame the virus and Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (10-8) to improve to 1-1 in the ATP Finals John Newcombe Group.
"I could be better. I've been struggling with my health the last week," Alcaraz said.
"Once you step on the court, you have to forget everything you're struggling with outside the court.
"Today I thought I was going to feel better. I was OK enough to play, and today I really wanted to step on the court and just show good tennis and play a high level. I try to show the people a good time to try to make them happy.
"When I got off the court from the first match, I felt like I didn't entertain the people or play good tennis. I tried to do it today and I think I played really good tennis."
The reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion cruised to the first set in 38 minutes, breaking Rublev in the seventh game and quickly winning the next two to go one set ahead.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
SingPost Names SGX and SIA Engineering Former Execs as Non-Executive, Independent Directors
Singapore Post (SingPost) on Feb 17 announced the appointment of two new non-executive, independent directors, Mr Chng Lay Chew and Mr Ng Chin Hwee.
More drama but Reds can cope, says van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists the Premier League leaders can cope with the mounting pressure of the title race.
Hong Kong bets on baby pandas to draw tourists back
From harbour-front sculptures to posters to even a pyrotechnic drone show, Hong Kong is in a panda frenzy.
A new digital tool aims to help travellers pick their destinations based on the emotions they seek
The best way to gauge the success of a vacation is how you feel when it ends.
'Really cool' as Aberg sinks final-hole birdie for victory
Sweden's Ludvig Aberg drained a birdie putt on the 18th hole to win the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines on Feb 16.
Singer Shakira Hospitalised in Peru With Stomach Issue
Pop star Shakira has been hospitalised in Peru with a stomach issue, forcing her to cancel her Feb 16 show in the Andean country, the singer said on social media.
Why the AI Start-Up Raises Security Concerns
Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) start-up DeepSeek upended the global industry and wiped billions off US tech stocks when it unveiled its R1 programme, which it claims was built on cheap, less sophisticated Nvidia semiconductors.
Your Picture Safety Suitcases in buses may pose a risk
I recently boarded bus service 36 and noticed that the bus was packed with commuters going to Changi Airport.
Australia Set for First Rate Cut Since 2020 as Trade Risks Mount
Australia's central bank is poised to cut interest rates for the first time in four years even as the board remains alert to potential inflationary pressures from mounting global trade turmoil and risks of an election splurge at home.
Pogacar Aims for Repeat of 2024 Term
The world's top cyclist Tadej Pogacar opens his 2025 season at the UAE Tour on Feb 17 and says he cannot wait to ride out in his world champion's rainbow jersey on his team's \"home\" soil.
