The ATP Finals in Turin kicked off with a surprising upset as Norway’s Casper Ruud defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, marking his first career win over the world No. 3. The 6-1, 7-5 victory was a milestone for Ruud, as he turned around a previously one-sided head-to-head record and showcased resilience against a player who has dominated the tennis landscape in recent years. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev continued his impressive form, overcoming Andrey Rublev with a swift 6-4, 6-4 victory, further cementing his position as a frontrunner in the tournament.
Ruud’s Milestone Victory Against Alcaraz
Going into the match, Alcaraz held a perfect 4-0 record against Ruud, having last triumphed over the Norwegian in the 2022 US Open final. However, this time, it was Ruud who came out on top, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s errors and a sluggish performance from the Spaniard. The first set saw Ruud break Alcaraz’s serve twice, taking a commanding 6-1 lead in just 36 minutes. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, surrendering two service games and failing to convert five break points, while Ruud maintained solid form and tactical discipline.
Ruud expressed his joy in a post-match interview, acknowledging the significance of the win. “It’s only one match, but it’s definitely one of the best wins of the season for me in terms of who I’m playing, his level, his ranking,” Ruud shared. “I feel very happy, of course. I think we will see Carlos play better tennis than he did today, but I took care of my chances, and it was a great win for me. Hopefully, I can build on it.”
Alcaraz’s Struggles: A Cold and Loss of Momentum
The 21-year-old Alcaraz, who has clinched two Wimbledon titles and four Grand Slam victories, was visibly out of sorts. Ruud later revealed that Alcaraz appeared to be battling a cold, with signs of discomfort noticeable even before they stepped onto the court. Alcaraz failed to capitalize on a strong start in the second set, where he initially led 5-2. However, Ruud mounted a comeback, winning five consecutive games to secure the set 7-5.
Ruud admitted that knowing Alcaraz was not at full health had its own challenges, as it placed extra pressure on him to perform. “I knew he was maybe dealing with a bit of a cold,” Ruud explained. “Of course, that’s sad and not good for him, but it’s also part of the game. I tried to make him play rallies and stay in my own world.” Ruud’s strategy paid off, with the Norwegian using consistent groundstrokes and a well-rounded game to keep Alcaraz off-balance and control the pace.
Zverev’s Commanding Win Over Rublev
In the day’s other match in the John Newcombe Group, Alexander Zverev, fresh off a win at the Paris Masters, continued his strong form by defeating Andrey Rublev in a quick 6-4, 6-4 encounter. Zverev, who replaced Alcaraz as world No. 2 just before the tournament, displayed his trademark power game, hitting nine aces and maintaining composure throughout the match. The victory extended Zverev’s winning streak to six matches and marked his 67th Tour win of the season, the highest in the ATP this year.
Zverev’s recent form has cemented him as one of the favorites to win his third ATP Finals title, having previously triumphed in 2018 and 2021. The German dominated Rublev from the baseline and converted key points with precision, making it clear that he remains one of the toughest competitors in the tournament. In a post-match interview, Zverev reflected on his journey this season and his desire to capture another ATP Finals title, stating, “This season has been challenging, but I’m feeling stronger and more prepared with each match. Winning the ATP Finals again would be a huge achievement.”
What’s Next in the John Newcombe Group?
With his first win in the bag, Casper Ruud will now look to continue his momentum in the group stage. Known for his adaptability on different surfaces and mental resilience, Ruud has the potential to advance further in the ATP Finals. His win against Alcaraz not only boosted his confidence but also served as a warning to his upcoming opponents.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, will need to recover quickly to avoid an early exit from the Finals. The Spaniard’s season has been highlighted by remarkable achievements, but his recent form has raised questions about his ability to maintain consistency, especially when not fully fit. Should he regain his composure and overcome the lingering effects of his cold, Alcaraz remains a formidable player who could still make a strong comeback.
Zverev and Rublev also have challenging matches ahead, with Zverev’s form making him a likely candidate to progress to the knockout stages. Rublev, however, will need to step up his game if he hopes to keep his ATP Finals aspirations alive.
The Battle for ATP Supremacy
This year’s ATP Finals has already showcased intense rivalries and top-level tennis. With Zverev and Ruud securing early victories, they hold a critical advantage in the round-robin format, where every match counts toward advancing to the knockout stages. The ATP Finals is known for its high-stakes atmosphere and elite competition, with only the top eight players in the world competing for the coveted trophy.
Zverev’s and Ruud’s performances serve as testaments to their adaptability, grit, and skill. For Ruud, his win over Alcaraz signifies a breakthrough in a previously one-sided rivalry and adds a remarkable achievement to his season. For Zverev, the pursuit of a third ATP Finals title is a clear indication of his ambition to establish himself as one of the greats of the game.
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