Casper Ruud Stuns Alcaraz with Straight-Sets Win at ATP Finals

Casper Ruud defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a straight-sets victory on Monday, opening his ATP Finals campaign with a strong 6-1, 7-5 win in Turin. The Norwegian, 25, started confidently cruising through the first set, and later staged an impressive comeback in the second, rallying from 5-2 down to secure the match. This was Ruud’s first victory over Alcaraz in their five career encounters and it sets him up well in the John Newcombe group as he aims for a third consecutive semi-final appearance at the year-end event.

Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and 2023 French Open and Wimbledon champion, struggled both with his form and his fitness. In an uncharacteristically error-filled performance, he racked up 34 unforced errors, blaming fatigue from a packed season. “I’m tired mentally,” the 21-year-old Spaniard admitted. “It’s been a very demanding year with little rest.” Alcaraz also revealed he had been unwell just days before the tournament which affected his preparation for the indoor surface in Turin.

Despite his previous head-to-head advantage over Casper Ruud, Alcaraz lacked experience on indoor courts, acknowledging, “I have to be better at this part of the year.” Ruud a 2022 runner-up at the event, capitalized on Alcaraz’s struggles. “It can be tricky playing someone who’s not 100 percent,” Ruud observed, noting Alcaraz’s visible signs of illness.

With this confidence-boosting win, Ruud looks ahead to his second group match against Andrey Rublev, knowing another victory could secure his place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Alcaraz faces a pivotal match against Alexander Zverev where another loss could lead to his elimination. Despite his powerful forehand and a brief lead in the second set, Alcaraz couldn’t maintain consistency allowing Ruud to close the match with an ace after winning five consecutive games.