Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, made a triumphant return to the Nitto ATP Finals on Monday, securing his first victory in three appearances. Despite a recent slump, Ruud showcased his resilience and determination, overcoming world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 6-1, 7-5 encounter.
Ruud’s victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first win over a Top 3 opponent on hard courts. The 2022 runner-up displayed exceptional composure and tactical brilliance throughout the match, neutralizing Alcaraz’s aggressive style of play.
The opening set was a dominant performance by Ruud. He broke Alcaraz’s serve in the third game and never looked back, winning the set 6-1. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors and failing to convert break point opportunities.
In the second set, Alcaraz showed signs of improvement, breaking Ruud’s serve to take a 4-2 lead. However, Ruud remained unfazed and broke back immediately. With Alcaraz serving for the set at 5-3, Ruud produced a stunning backhand lob winner to earn two break points. He capitalized on the opportunity, forcing another unforced error from Alcaraz to level the set at 5-5.
Ruud’s momentum continued to build, and he broke Alcaraz’s serve once again in the 11th game. With the match on his racquet, Ruud sealed the victory with an ace, securing his 50th win of the season.
Ruud’s victory sets the stage for an exciting John Newcombe Group round robin encounter on Wednesday. He will face either two-time champion Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev in his next match.
