Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock opening defeat to Casper Ruud on the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin on Monday.
Norwegian star Ruud blew the John Newcombe Group vast open with a surprising 6-1 7-5 victory over world No 3 Alcaraz on the Inalpi Enviornment.
Ruud, who reached the championship match on his earlier look in 2022, capitalised on a lacklustre efficiency from the Spaniard to shut out the match in 86 minutes.
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Ruud mirrored on a dominant efficiency towards Alcaraz and likewise revealed his opponent was sick
“It’s only one match but it’s one of the best wins of the season in terms of who I am playing and his ranking,” stated Ruud throughout his on-court interview.
“I really feel actually pleased in fact I feel we’ve got seen Carlos play higher tennis however I took care of my possibilities.
“I have never been boosting with confidence in the previous couple of months so it is a fantastic win for me and I want to get some extra wins in Turin. I knew he was coping with a little bit of a chilly maybe.
“He is at all times been with a tissue so bodily he may not be at 100 per cent and it is unhappy and never good for him however it’s a part of the sport.
“I tried to make him play rallies and do my best.
“I received begin, I received a break early and within the second set I managed to show it round with some good tennis on the finish.”
Ruud, who had lost all four of his previous meetings against Alcaraz, saved break points in the opening game but dominated the first set from then on as surprising errors flowed from the Spaniard’s racket.
Alcaraz responded positively to move 5-2 ahead in the second set, breaking serve with a deft volley, and was two points from levelling the match only to capitulate.
He dropped serve at 5-3 and looked forlorn as Norwegian star Ruud went on to win five games in a row to seal an impressive victory.
Alcaraz, who gained the French Open and Wimbledon titles this 12 months, is hoping to develop into the primary Spaniard to win the celebrated year-ending title since Alex Corretja in 1998.
Ruud will subsequent search to earn a second win on Wednesday, when he’ll face both Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev.
‘Alcaraz’s drop shot had been a bail out’
Laura Robson spoke to host Gigi Salmon about Alcaraz’s use of the drop shot
“We certainly do owe him an apology. I think I said Alcaraz in straight sets,” stated Laura Robson, a former British No 1.
“We weren’t expecting that at all. I was looking at the numbers after the match and he managed to win only 50 per centy of his first serves.
“Ruud was simply regular and did not over-play.
“Seeing that around in the practice court gives him some hope and confidence.
“Alcaraz was sporting strips over his nostril as a result of he was battling respiration.
“He started with some conviction and there wasn’t much going on for Carlos, it was surprising to me.
“It is troublesome once you’re attempting to play a drop shot in these situations, its maybe not the perfect shot choice. For me, it was a little bit of a bail out.”
Story of the Tape
Ruud’s document vs Prime 10 opponents
Henman: Again to the drafting board for Alcaraz
“We’ve got such high expectations from Alcaraz because we’ve seen him play such good tennis,” Tim Henman instructed Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“The first match is never straight forward so back to the drawing board for Alcaraz.
“Ruud will take a lot confidence from beating him in straight units and going prime of the group.”
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The ATP Finals is the final match of the ATP Tour however who will come out on prime?
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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