ATP Finals: Casper Ruud - The underdog bites again
Casper Ruud once again proved his critics wrong with his opening victory at the ATP Finals.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Nov 13, 2022, 08:35 pm
In the green group, according to the general tenor after the draw, everything will boil down to a three-way battle for the two semi-final tickets. However, hardly anyone had the name Casper Ruud on the bill. No wonder, since the competition with Rafael Nadal, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz seemed too strong, especially on indoor hard courts.
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But Ruud once again gave his critics the lie. At the beginning of the ATP Finals in Turin, the Norwegian was happy about a 7: 6 (4) and 6: 4 win over Auger-Aliassime and now has the best chance of moving into the semi-finals. "I think that's the best level I've played since the US Open," said the 23-year-old after the match.
Ruud establishes himself among the world's best in 2022
It's no coincidence that Ruud has always been (wrongly) labeled as an average player at best: The Scandinavian's game doesn't seem very spectacular and is based on a very simple basic idea (solid backhand, topspin-heavy forehand). But in fact, Ruud had proven his potential enough times in the current year to no longer be underestimated by the world public. Actually.
Ruud not only reached a Grand Slam final at the French Open on his beloved sand in 2022, but followed up at the US Open a few months later. And had a chance of winning against the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz - and with it also the world number one.
Auger-Aliassime with their backs to the wall
After the last major event of the year, things didn't go too smoothly for Ruud: "The past few months have been a bit difficult, I have to be honest. But you have to accept that." Ruud did just that. And created an excellent starting position in Turin.
The situation at Auger-Aliassime is completely different. The Canadian, who has put in such impressive performances over the past few weeks, will probably have no qualms in the remaining two group games. "I have my back against the wall," the 22-year-old knew. "I have to fight back and play better."
Here is the single draw in Turin
turin map