Casper Ruud’s stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Despite Alcaraz’s illness and Ruud’s recent struggles, the Norwegian delivered a dominant performance, serving at an impressive 68.0% and controlling the match with his powerful forehand.
Ruud’s resurgence at the year-end event is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a disappointing run-up to the Finals, including a loss to Benjamin Bonzi in Metz, Ruud has rediscovered his form in Turin. His 5-3 record at the ATP Finals highlights his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most.
In his upcoming match against Alexander Zverev, Ruud will face a formidable opponent. However, Zverev’s return game is not as strong as Alcaraz’s, and Ruud’s consistent serving and aggressive forehand should give him an edge.
Ruud’s ability to win over 8.5 games in this match is a compelling betting proposition. Even in a straight-set loss, Ruud’s strong serve and forehand should allow him to rack up holds and keep the match competitive.
The fast indoor hard courts in Turin favor servers, and Ruud’s recent serving performance suggests that he can exploit this advantage. Zverev’s lower break percentage and higher Ace Rate Against compared to Alcaraz further support the case for Ruud to win over 8.5 games.
While Zverev has improved significantly since his last meeting with Ruud on hard courts in 2022, Ruud has also made strides in his game. Additionally, Ruud’s previous success against Zverev in similar conditions bodes well for his chances in this match.
Ruud’s ability to control points with his forehand and exploit Zverev’s shaky forehand will be crucial. By dictating the pace and direction of the rallies, Ruud can limit Zverev’s opportunities to attack and force him into errors.
