Carlos Alcaraz faced a tough challenge at the ATP Finals as he battled a stomach issue during his match against Casper Ruud. The encounter ended with Ruud claiming victory with a score of 6-1, 7-5. This marked Ruud's first win over Alcaraz in their five career meetings, putting Alcaraz's advancement from the round-robin stage in jeopardy.
Alcaraz, who has had a remarkable year with two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, expressed his struggles on the court, citing discomfort in his stomach due to a recent illness. Despite his achievements, Alcaraz acknowledged his lack of experience playing on indoor courts, emphasizing the need for more exposure and learning.
Ruud, on the other hand, had been facing his own challenges, with recent losses in his previous events affecting his confidence. However, his victory over Alcaraz could serve as a turning point for him.
During the match, Alcaraz showed resilience with a lead in winners but was plagued by unforced errors, allowing Ruud to capitalize on break points effectively. Alcaraz's fatigue was evident as he mentioned the demanding schedule and lack of rest throughout the year.
In the same group, Alexander Zverev was set to face Andrey Rublev, with the top two finishers from each group advancing to the semifinals. In the other group, top-ranked Jannik Sinner and U.S. Open finalist Taylor Fritz secured wins against their opponents.
As the ATP Finals continue, players are vying for a spot in the next stage of the tournament, showcasing their skills and resilience on the court.
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