Nitto ATP Finals: Casper Ruud defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime in the opening match in Turin
The World's No. four Casper Ruud of Norway secured a straight set 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada in the opening match of the Nitto ATP Finals at Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, on November 14
Casper Ruud secured a straight set 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-AliassimeCasper Ruud arrived for his second appearance at the ATP Finals after disappointing performances, having won just clashes in his last four tournaments.
The 23-year-old Norwegian began the match aggressively from the get-go, firing back-to-back explosive hits to build pressure on Felix Auger-Aliassime. He maintained his rhythm in the first set tiebreak to gain a one-set advantage.
The first five points of the second set went with the service, but the no. three seed Casper Ruud raised his level in the seventh game to earn the lone breakpoint of the match to secure his victory after one hour and 51 minutes of play.
Casper Ruud served five aces, fired 21 winners, won 76% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of his Canadian opponent one time from one opportunity. In contrast, Felix Auger-Aliassimer served 14 aces, won 84% of the points on the first serve and committed three double faults.
After the victory, Casper Ruud said, "This is some of the best levels I have played since the US Open. The last couple of months has been a struggle. I have to say that honestly, but you also have to accept it."
Casper Rudd will lock horns with Taylor Fritz in a group stage clash of the Nitto ATP Finals on November 16. He is aiming to advance to the semifinal for the second year in a row after falling to Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the semifinal last year.
Rafael Nadal falls to Taylor Fritz in the opening match
Taylor Fritz of the United States won against Spanish legend Rafael Nadal 7-6(7-3), 6-1 in a group-stage clash of the Nitto ATP Finals on November 14.
Nitto ATP Finals is the only big title that Rafael Nadal still needs to claim. The 36-year-old Spaniard will have to win the ATP Finals to claim the World No. 1 spot from compatriot Carlos Alcaraz Garfia.
Taylor Fritz played aggressively and dominated on his debut appearance in Turin with solid service games and forehand winners. He served nine aces, won 80% of the points on the first serve and earned two breakpoints from nine opportunities to improve his win-loss record against Rafael Nadal to 2-2.
After the victory, Taylor Fritz said, "It feels great. I felt like coming out of the first match, especially for my hopes of getting out of the group. I came out and played a great match, and I couldn't be happier."
Rafael Nadal will continue his Nitto ATP Final campaign in a group-stage clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime on November 15.