TURIN, Italy — Carlos Alcaraz struggled with a abdomen situation and appeared removed from the participant who gained two Grand Slams this 12 months whereas dropping to Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-5 on the ATP Finals on Monday.
It marked Ruud’s first victory over Alcaraz in 5 profession conferences, and the end result may 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 properly on courtroom,” Alcaraz stated. “Just a few days earlier than coming right here, I obtained sick at dwelling. … This morning, I really feel uncomfortable within the abdomen.”
In the identical group, Alexander Zverev started his bid for a 3rd ATP Finals title by beating Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4.
The highest two finishers from every group advance to the semifinals.
On Sunday, top-ranked Jannik Sinner and US Open finalist Taylor Fritz beat Alex De Minaur and Daniil Medvedev, respectively, within the different group.
Alcaraz gained the French Open and Wimbledon to spice up his profession whole to 4 Grand Slam titles. However he additionally struggled on the Paris Masters not too long ago and dropped behind Zverev to No. 3 within the rankings this week.
“I’ve no expertise taking part in on indoor courts,” Alcaraz stated. “I will be a very good participant on indoor courts, I am certain about it. However I feel it is about time, about getting expertise. … Quite a lot of gamers are higher than me on indoor courtroom.”
Ruud reached the 2021 semifinals and 2022 closing in his first two appearances on the finals. However he has struggled not too long ago, too, dropping his first or second match in his final seven occasions.
“I am not filled with confidence,” Ruud stated. “A match like in the present day may be capable of 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 one among six in that class.
“I am drained mentally,” Alcaraz stated. “Clearly loads of matches, actually tight schedule, actually demanding 12 months with not too many days off.”
Zverev, who gained 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 gained a match on the occasion since 2022.
Zverev served 9 aces and dropped solely 10 factors on his serve in 10 service video games.
“He served large 220 (kph) on the deuce facet,” Rublev stated. “Usually everyone serves slice and it is 190. He discover(s) a option to serve 220 large on the deuce facet. It isn’t simple.
“Even in the event you catch the course, when the flat serve comes 227, slice serve comes 219, 215, it is robust to only see the ball.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
