Las ATP Finals 2024 have started in an adverse way for the young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who suffered a resounding defeat in his first match against the Norwegian Casper Ruudwith a score of 6-1 and 7-5, in a match that lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes. This urgent defeat forces them to win their next two matches and wait for the results of the other groups if they want to advance to the semifinals.
Alcaraz, without rhythm and collapsed
Since his participation in Paris-Bercy, Alcaraz has been dealing with respiratory problems that seriously affected his performance. The pressure in the masters event was palpable, and Alcaraz came out behind Ruud, who, with more experience and a higher ranking, seemed to have the advantage.
The start of the match was encouraging for Alcaraz, who showed his characteristic aggressive play from the rest. However, could not capitalize on two break opportunities and saw how his rival asserted himself in the match. Ruud, who had reached the Finals at the last minute, took advantage of his opportunity, breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the first set and did not look back, closing the set in his favor.
Extra complications in the second set
Despite a second set where Alcaraz led 5-2, a series of unforced errors – 26 in total compared to only 10 for Ruud – compromised his progress. The lack of concentration and lack of confidence made the Murcian give up the last five games, sealing his fate in this debut.
It is sad to note that the idiosyncrasies of the talented tennis player have taken him on an emotional roller coaster during the season. Although in previous events he had shown himself superior to Ruud with a balance of 4-0this time the story was different.
As the alarm bells ring at such a start, Alcaraz will have to face the most difficult players in the tournament in the coming days: Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev; In order to advance to the next round, you must defeat them both.
The challenge is considerable, since if the Murcian wants to achieve the same feat as the previous year, he will have to overcome his physical problems and regain the intensity in his game. There is no doubt that Alcaraz’s talent is enormous, but it is essential that he manages to shake off the weight of this painful defeat on his path to tennis glory.
