In his latest practice session at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam, Carlos Alcaraz was seen wearing a nasal strip. It looks like that the Spaniard is under the weather ahead of his debut.
Carlos Alcaraz will play at Rotterdam Open
Following his heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2025, Alcaraz eyes one unaccomplished goal - an indoor hardcourt title. Not taking the usual route this time around, Alcaraz opted to play in the ATP 500 in Rotterdam rather than playing in South America.
Carlos Alcaraz landed in the Dutch city on January 30 and starting from next day, he started his practice sessions. The four time Grand Slam champion shared the court alongside his rival, Daniil Medvedev. Alcaraz was seen coughing, sneezing and blowing his nose during his practice session.
Despite being ill, it didn't stop the Spaniard to continue with his training sessions. On February 1, Alcaraz showed up for his match against Alexei Popyrin wearing a black nasal strip in hopes of some respite from the cold.
This is not the first time that Alcaraz has taken the help of a nasal strip. The last time when he was seen donning a nasal strip was at the 2024 ATP Finals. In that tournament, the 21-year-old was seen wearing a fuchsia-colored strip to get some help with his breathing issues.
After winning his only match at the tournament, Alcaraz said in the press conference.
For me, it (the nasal strip) helped a lot today. I could breathe much better. I tried to forget about I'm not feeling well, I'm sick, and deliver a really good tennis.
Australian Open 2025 heartbreaking loss
Carlos Alcaraz had a great start to the recently concluded Australian Open 2025 and had just lost only one set on his way to reach the quarterfinals. But, in the quarterfinals, Alacaraz was handed defeat by the Serb, Novak Djokovic, who was in pain throughout the match. The Serbian secured a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.