ATP Finals: Carlos Alcaraz suffers shock defeat to Casper Ruud at season-ending event in Turin | Tennis News

Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz lost to Casper Rudd in the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday.

Norwegian star Rudd crushed John Newcombe’s group with a 6-1 7-5 win over world No 3 Alcaraz at the Inalpi Arena.

Roode, who reached the title match in his previous appearance in 2022, took advantage of the Spaniard’s lackluster performance to close out the match in 86 minutes.

“It’s only one match, but it’s one of the best wins of the season in terms of who I’m playing and the level of him,” Rudd said during his courtside interview.

“I feel really happy, of course I think we’ve seen Carlos play better tennis, but I was taking care of my chances.

“I haven’t had any confidence in the last few months, so it’s a great win for me and I’d like to get a few more wins in Turin. I knew he was probably down with a bit of a cold.

“I’ve seen him running around here and always with a tissue for his nose, so physically he can be 100 per cent and it’s sad and not good for him, but it’s part of the game.

“I tried to make her rally and do my best. I got off to a good start, got a break early and was able to turn it around in the second set with some good tennis.”

Rood, who had lost his previous four matches against Alcaraz, saved break points in the opening game but then dominated the first set as surprising errors flowed from the Spaniard’s racket.

failed to serve in the opening six games, while he failed to convert five break points as he surrendered the first set in 36 minutes.

However, the 21-year-old initially looked to regain composure after a strong start and went 5-2 up in the second set, breaking serve with a deft volley and leveling the match at two points only to capitulate.

He dropped serve at 5-3 and looked despondent as Norwegian star Ruud reeled off a five-game winning streak to seal an impressive win while Alcaraz was quickly trotted off the court.

Alcaraz, who has won the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, is hoping to become the first Spaniard to win the prestigious year-end title since Alex Coretta in 1998.

Rudd later told Sky Sports’ Tim Henman. “I play as an underdog.

He will next look for a second win on Wednesday when he faces either Alexander Zverev or Andrei Rublev.

“Alcaraz’s shot was a salvation”

“We certainly owe him an apology. I think I told Alcaraz in straight sets,” former British No. 1 Laura Robson said. Sky Sports Tennis.

“We didn’t expect that at all. I was looking at the numbers after the match and he was only able to win 50 percent of his first serves.

“Rudd was just steady and didn’t play too much.

“Seeing it in the practice court gives him some hope and confidence.

“Alcaraz had scratches on his nose because he was having trouble breathing.

“He started with some conviction and there wasn’t much for Carlos, that was surprising to me.

“It’s hard when you’re trying to play a dope shot in these conditions, it’s probably not the best shot selection. It was a bit of a saving grace for me.”

The tape tale

Roode’s record against Top 10 opponents

Henman. Back to the drawing board for Alcaraz

“We have such high expectations for Alcaraz because we’ve seen her play such good tennis,” Henman said.

“The first match is never straight, so let’s go back to Alcaraz’s board.

“Rudy will need so much confidence to beat him in straight sets and top the group.”

Tuesday in the Nitto ATP Finals on Sky Sports Tennis

• Former champion Daniil Medvedev takes on Alex de Minaur at 1pm (GMT) in the Ilie Nastase Group.
• World No. 1 Jannik Siner will face American Taylor Fritz at 7:30 p.m.

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