Carlos Alcaraz struggled with a abdomen concern and seemed removed from the participant who received two grand slams this 12 months in dropping to Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-5 on the ATP Finals on Monday, native time.
It marked Ruud’s first victory over Alcaraz in 5 profession conferences, and the consequence might make it tough for Alcaraz to advance from the round-robin stage on the season-ending occasion for the highest eight gamers.
“I did not really feel effectively on court docket,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“Just a few days earlier than coming right here, I acquired sick at residence … This morning, I really feel uncomfortable within the abdomen.”
Alcaraz received the French Open and Wimbledon to spice up his profession complete to 4 grand slams titles. However he additionally struggled on the Paris Masters lately and dropped behind Alexander Zverev to quantity three within the rankings this week.
“I’ve no expertise taking part in on indoor courts,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“I will be a very good participant on indoor courts, I am certain about it. However I believe it is about time, about getting expertise … A whole lot of gamers are higher than me on indoor court docket.”
Casper Ruud had by no means overwhelmed Carlos ALcaraz in 5 earlier conferences. (Getty Photos: sportinfoto/DeFodi Photos)
Ruud reached the 2021 semifinals and 2022 remaining in his first two appearances on the finals. However he has struggled lately, too, dropping his first or second match in his final seven occasions.
“I am not stuffed with confidence,” Ruud mentioned. “A match like in the present day may have the ability to change it.”
Alcaraz was damaged when he served for the second set at 5-4.
Alcaraz led 25-16 in winners however dedicated 26 unforced errors to Ruud’s 10.
Ruud transformed all 4 of his break factors whereas Alcaraz was simply certainly one of six in that class.
“I am drained mentally,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“Clearly a variety of matches, actually tight schedule, actually demanding 12 months with not too many days off.”
Later in Alcaraz’s and Ruud’s group, Zverev beat Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4.
Zverev, who received the finals in 2018 in London and 2021 in Turin, prolonged his profitable streak to 6 matches following a title run on the Paris Masters.
Rublev is making his fifth consecutive look on the finals however hasn’t received a match on the occasion since 2022.
The highest two finishers from every group advance to the semifinals.
AP
