Casper Ruud stunned an ailing Carlos Alcaraz to open his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-set victory.
The Norwegian flipped the script on what’s been a recent slump in form.
Only scoring three wins in his last 12 matches, there was little expectation that Casper Ruud would lay a finger on Carlos Alcaraz – an opponent he held 0-4 record against going into the match.
However, helped by the Spaniard physically hampered by illness and some dazzling shot-making himself, Ruud reeled off five straight games to clinch the opener 6-1.
With Alcaraz poised to take matters to a decider as he rallied to 5-2 up in the second, in a repeat of recent history, the Norwegian strung another five games together to provide the first shock of the ATP Finals.
Casper Ruud relishes atmosphere during shock win over Carlos Alcaraz
Ruud entered the ATP Finals in Turin late and feeling slightly conflicted, having endured a tough end to his season.
Despite a strong start to 2024, his momentum slowed significantly in recent months, leaving him with doubts as he headed into the season finale.
Facing off against Alcaraz in his opening match, Ruud was aware that both players would be adjusting to the fast indoor conditions, which aren’t their preferred surface.
Reflecting on his past experiences in Turin, he shared his gratitude for the enthusiastic Italian crowd and the unique energy of competing here: “I had good times in Turin before. It feels amazing to be back here. Italian fans are always amazing. They always do a great job,” he said on Sky Sports.
“I feel very welcome and very good here. The last part of the season wasn’t very good for me. But I try to think I saved some wins for this week.
“I think the fact it’s the first match of the tournament for both of us. It’s been a long year and it’s a fast indoor court, maybe not what Carlos or I prefer the most. I played as an underdog, I am not the favourite on paper, there are many players ahead of me who are favourites to do better than me here but in the past I have been able to do pretty well here and I don’t really know why.
“Let’s just say my game has not been oozing with confidence the last weeks and months so it’s really nice to get a win today and save a big win until the end of it,” Ruud joked.
Alcaraz explained the issue he struggled with during his opener, putting his uncharacteristically sloppy performance down to illness – something Ruud acknowledged he had been suffering with in the days leading up the match.
Casper Ruud faces the in-form Alexander Zverev next
Ruud’s next match in Turin will be a challenging one, as he faces the surging Alexander Zverev, fresh off a solid 6-4, 6-4 win over Andrey Rublev.
Zverev, who recently claimed the Paris Masters title, is carrying strong momentum and has climbed back up to world number two.
With a 4-2 head-to-head lead over Ruud, the German’s powerful serve and backhand continue to present tough obstacles for any opponent.
For Ruud to have a chance, he’ll need to play with freedom and look for ways to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm, perhaps by attacking with his heavy forehand early to push him off balance.
Taking these kinds of chances might give Ruud the edge he needs to make it less one-sided.
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