Back in business! Alcaraz sinks Rublev at Nitto ATP Finals

Rublev falls to Alcaraz in Turin as the Spaniard shows impressive grit

Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to action at the Nitto ATP Finals on Tuesday, defeating Andrey Rublev 6-4, 7-6(7) in a hard-fought battle in Turin.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who had been sidelined for over a month due to an abdominal injury, showed no signs of rust as he battled past the Russian in a match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes.

Alcaraz's impressive return

Alcaraz, who is the youngest player to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals since 2005, broke Rublev's serve twice in the first set and held on to win it 6-4.

The second set was a closer affair, with both players trading breaks of serve. Alcaraz eventually prevailed in a tie-break, winning it 7-6(7).

Alcaraz's victory was his first since winning the US Open in September. It also moved him to the top of Group A in the Nitto ATP Finals, ahead of Rublev, Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud.