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CASPER Ruud stunned an out-of-sorts Carlos Alcaraz to begin his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-set victory in Turin.
The Norwegian sixth seed won 6-1 7-5 for his 50th victory of the season, yetonly his third in 12 matches.
Later, German second seed Alexander Zverev – a two-time ATP Finals champion – defeated Russian Andrey Rublev 6-4 6-4.
In a below-par performance, French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz hit 34 unforced errors and fell to his first defeat by Ruud in five meetings.
“It’s only one match but it’s definitely one of the best wins of the season for me,” said Ruud, who suggested Spanish third seed Alcaraz was struggling with a cold.
“I feel very happy. I think we’ve all seen Carlos play better tennis than he did today but I took care of my chances.
“I’ve not been oozing with confidence in the last weeks or months so it was a great win for me and hopefully I can build on it.”
After fending off two break points in the opening game, Ruud was the first to break after a number of wayward shots from his opponent.
with an ace,earning him a Tour-leading 67th win of the season.
“I thought it was a very solid match from my end,” said Zverev.
“Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance. I felt like I used my chances quite well and I’m obviously happy with this win.”
In the Ilie Nastase Group on Tuesday, Rublev’s compatriot Daniil Medvedev faces Australian Alex de Minaur from 13:00 GMT.
Home favourite Jannik Sinner – who received his year-end world number one trophy at the start of Monday’s evening session – takes on American Taylor Fritz from 19:30. BBCSport
A.I
Nov. 12, 2024
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