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 Area.
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 in addition 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,” mentioned Ruud throughout his on-court interview.
“I really feel actually pleased after all I believe we now have seen Carlos play higher tennis however I took care of my possibilities.
“I have never been boosting with confidence in the previous few 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.
“I’ve seen him snuffling round within the space right here and all the time with a tissue for his nostril so bodily he may not be at 100 per cent and it is unhappy and never good for him but it surely’s a part of the sport.
“I tried to make him play rallies and do my best. I got a good start, I got a break early and in the second set I managed to turn it around with some good tennis at the end.”
Ruud, who had misplaced all 4 of his earlier conferences towards Alcaraz, saved break factors within the opening recreation however dominated the primary set from then on as stunning errors flowed from the Spaniard’s racket.
failed to carry serve within the opening six video games, whereas he was unable to capitalise on 5 break factors as he surrendered the primary set in 36 minutes.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old initially appeared to have restored order throughout a robust begin to set two shifting 5-2 forward within the second set, breaking serve with a deft volley, and was two factors from levelling the match solely to capitulate.
He dropped serve at 5-3 and appeared forlorn as Norwegian star Ruud went on to win 5 video games in a row to seal a powerful victory whereas Alcaraz swiftly departing the court docket.
Alcaraz, who gained the French Open and Wimbledon titles this yr, is hoping to turn into the primary Spaniard to win the celebrated year-ending title since Alex Corretja in 1998.
Ruud later advised Sky Sports activities’ Tim Henman: “I play as an underdog. In the past I’ve been able to do well here.”
He’ll subsequent search to earn a second win on Wednesday, when he’ll face both Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev.
‘Alcaraz’s drop shot have 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,” mentioned Laura Robson, a former British No 1, advised Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“We weren’t expecting that at all. I was looking at the numbers after the match and he managed to win only 50 per cent 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 respiratory.
“He started with some conviction and there wasn’t much going on for Carlos, it was surprising to me.
“It is troublesome if you’re attempting to play a drop shot in these circumstances, its maybe not the very best shot choice. For me, it was a little bit of a bail out.”
Story of the Tape
Ruud’s document vs High 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,” Henman mentioned.
“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.”
Tuesday on the Nitto ATP Finals on Sky Sports activities Tennis
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The ATP Finals is the final match of the ATP Tour however who will come out on prime?
- Former champion Daniil Medvedev takes on Alex de Minaur at 1pm (GMT) within the Ilie Nastase Group.
- World No 1 Jannik Sinner faces American Taylor Fritz from 7.30pm.
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and might be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this yr at no further value. Discover out extra right here.
