The ATP Finals served off to a shocking start as Carlos Alcaraz fell to a straight-set loss to Casper Ruud, with the Norwegian player overcoming a nervy second set to seal a 6-1 7-5 victory over the French Open and Wimbledon champion in Turin.
Ruud came into the encounter on a run of two wins in his last 11 matches but the sixth seed took full advantage of third-seeded Alcaraz who was feeling under the weather to claim a precious win in the season-ending event.
Alcaraz hit 34 unforced errors in an uncharacteristic display from him against Ruud, who had lost four previous meetings between both players. The Spaniard put up little fight in the first set but showed glimpses of his form in full fitness in the second set.
“Before coming here, I was unwell at home. When I got to Turin, practice was going well; I could handle long rallies, competing and playing. And I hoped things would get better as the days went by,” Alcaraz said after the match.
“It’s only one match but it’s definitely one of the best wins of the season for me,” said Ruud. “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.”