Carlos Alcaraz gives health update after wearing unusual gear in Rotterdam Open debut

Carlos Alcaraz took to the court wearing a black nose strip

Carlos Alcaraz has shared an update on his health after taking to the court wearing something unusual. The world No. 3 made his debut at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam on Tuesday night, beating Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets. Alcaraz had previously revealed that he suffered a cold ahead of the tournament. And he sported a black nose strip to help him breathe better during the contest.

It’s not the first time the Spaniard has worn a patch across his nose. Alcaraz also used a neon pink one during last year’s ATP Finals, where he struggled with an illness and lost in the round-robin stage. The 21-year-old picked up a cold when he arrived home in Spain following the recent Australian Open, and it still seems to be bothering him, as he played his opening match with a strip of black tape across his nose. Alcaraz was also spotted blowing his nose during the match, and he later confirmed that he still hadn’t fully recovered. “I’m not feeling 100 per cent well yet,” he said. “I caught a cold when I was at home, but I’m feeling better every day.”

Carlos Alcaraz beat Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets

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The top seed in Rotterdam also clarified that the nose strip didn’t speed up his recovery. “It’s for my health,” he added. When Alcaraz used the strip in Turin last November, it was a method to help him breathe. The tape is placed on the bridge of the nose to dilate the nostrils, making it easier for air to pass in and out. The world No. 3 had already opened up on his health setback ahead of the tournament. “I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold,” he said after arriving in Rotterdam. “I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better.”

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