Ruud defeats a sick Alcaraz: "I tried to stay in my own world".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 11/11/2024 à 15h48

1 min to read

Alcaraz ATP Finals Ruud

The sensation of the day in Turin. Taking advantage of a Carlos Alcaraz in average physical condition, Casper Ruud succeeded in taming the Spaniard for the first time in his career, and in just two sets (6-1, 7-5).

Taking command of his group at the Masters, while awaiting the duel between Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud reflected on his success in a press conference.

Admitting that he had noticed that his opponent wasn't at his best, he didn't shy away from his pleasure: "I knew he might have had a bit of a cold. I saw him sniffing around, always with a handkerchief up his nose. It's a sign that physically, he won't necessarily be at 100%.

Of course, it's sad and it's not good for him. But it's also part of the game. I knew that when I arrived. I tried to get him to play long rallies and do my best. But it's not easy. When you know someone isn't at 100%, you get stressed.

You think 'Oh, this is a really great chance for me to win'. I tried to stay in my world, in the present moment. Fortunately, I got off to a good start. In the second set, I managed to turn things around and play some good tennis at the end.