Ailing Carlos Alcaraz Falls to Casper Ruud in ATP Finals Opener

Updated 7:15 PM MST, November 11, 2024

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz lost his opening match at the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday, falling 6-1, 7-5 to Denmark’s Casper Ruud. Alcaraz appeared to be struggling with an illness and was clearly not at the level that has seen him win four Grand Slam titles, including two this year.

The result marked Ruud’s first victory over Alcaraz in five career meetings, and it has made Alcaraz’s path to advancing from the round-robin stage more challenging at this season-ending event for the top eight players.

After the match, Alcaraz revealed he was not fully fit. “I didn’t feel well on court. A few days before coming here, I got sick at home… This morning, I felt uncomfortable in the stomach,” he explained.

Alcaraz had a tough time holding serve, especially in the first set and was broken while serving for the second set at 5-4. He committed 26 unforced errors to Ruud’s 10, and despite hitting 25 winners, he was unable to capitalize on his chances. Alcaraz converted just one of six break points, while Ruud was perfect, converting all four of his.

When asked if fatigue was a factor given it’s the end of the season, Alcaraz admitted, “I’m tired mentally. Obviously, a lot of matches, a really tight schedule, and it’s been a really demanding year with not too many days off.”

The 21-year-old Spaniard had a standout year, winning both the French Open and Wimbledon. However, indoor events have been more challenging for him, as seen in his early exit at the Paris Masters, where he lost in the round of 16. Reflecting on his indoor struggles, Alcaraz said, “I have no experience playing on indoor courts. I’ll be a really good player on indoor courts, I’m sure about it. But I think it’s about time, about getting experience. A lot of players are better than me on indoor courts.”