Carlos Alcaraz caught attention at the ATP Finals by sporting a pink adhesive strip on his nose during his victory over Andrey Rublev. This nasal dilator, once a popular accessory in the 1990s among athletes, is designed to improve airflow and assist with breathing.
“It helped a lot today. I could breathe much better,” Alcaraz explained in his post-match press conference. The 20-year-old, who has been battling illness, credited the strip for enhancing his performance despite not feeling his best.
The nasal dilator, initially used to reduce snoring, gained prominence during the Atlanta Olympics. Athletes like Great Britain’s marathon runner Paula Radcliffe and footballers such as Robbie Fowler were among its notable users. Manufacturers claim the strip increases air intake by 31%, a benefit Alcaraz appears to value.
Alcaraz revealed his plans to continue wearing the strip: “I’m pretty sure that in the next match I’m going to wear it. It helps a lot.” He emphasized its role in managing his current health struggles, allowing him to focus on delivering top-tier tennis.
While the nasal strip isn’t a permanent solution for airway issues, its short-term benefits make it a promising tool for Alcaraz as he navigates a demanding season.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked world no.3, Alcaraz played his last match on the 13th of November when he overcame world no.8 Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(8) in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Alcaraz has managed to achieve a composed 53-12 match record. Carlos clinched 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Carlos reached the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will square off with the world no.365 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . In the past, they have never played each other till now in top competitions.
The Spaniard conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Paris (Olympics).
Carlos won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 13th of November when he defeated world no.8 Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(8) in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Until now, during this year Carlos has achieved an overall 53-12 win-loss record. The Spaniard conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Carlos got to the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will square off with the world no.365 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never competed against each other until now in top tournaments.
The Spaniard conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Alcaraz was the finalist in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz |
| Embed from Getty Images |