Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz stated that Andrey Rublev “was unplayable” during a 6-2 practice set in Vienna.
- The 23-year-old Spaniard bounced back by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6(5) in the first round.
- Alcaraz enters the final stretch of 2026 feeling mentally fresh after an injury-interrupted campaign.
Preparation challenges in Vienna
Returning to the Vienna Open for the first time since 2021, Carlos Alcaraz encountered an exceptionally fierce training test prior to his opening match. The 23-year-old Spaniard shared a practice court with Andrey Rublev on Sunday, only to find himself overwhelmed by the Russian’s blistering baseline power during a 6-2 set.
Following his first-round triumph against Karen Khachanov, where he prevailed 6-4, 7-6(5), the former world No. 1 conceded that he walked away from the workout feeling frustrated despite executing his own game well.
Reflecting on the session, Alcaraz remarked that Rublev “was unplayable” as he struggled to find any openings to attack.
The Russian’s relentless pace kept the multi-time major winner completely pinned back, preventing him from dictating rallies in his typical aggressive manner.
Building momentum toward the season finale
Rather than dwelling on the one-sided practice scoreline, the world No. 3 viewed the difficult workout as an important step in his recovery process following an injury-disrupted campaign. Alcaraz explained that facing that calibre of hitting provided valuable lessons for high-stakes competition.
Having captured 3 titles in 2026, the Spaniard is eager to regain the steady rhythm he displayed earlier in the season before heading to the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin. After suffering an unexpected 3rd-round loss against Zizou Bergs at the Shanghai Masters, he accepted a wildcard in Austria following the postponement of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
With fewer matches played this year due to his physical setbacks, Alcaraz highlighted his mental freshness as a positive factor, noting that he is energized and eager to chase his maiden ATP Finals crown as the season concludes.
ATP Vienna - Carlos Alcaraz's projected path
Alcaraz in Vienna, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.3, Alcaraz owns a composed 34-5 record in 2026. Carlos is now competing in Vienna where he overcame the world no.24 Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-6(5).
Carlos Alcaraz will fight against the world no.10 Alex De Minaur in the Round Robin on Unknown at 5:00 pm on Court 1. The head to head is 6-0 for Alcaraz.
The Spaniard conquered 3 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open, Doha and Tokyo.
Alcaraz won 28 titles in his career: 11 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
