2024 ATP Finals SF: Alcaraz Out; Sinner v Ruud, Zverev v Fritz
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Carlos Alcaraz won make the weekend at the ATP Finals. The Spanish superstar lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev and then was eliminated when Casper Ruud won the opening set against Andrey Rublev later in the day.
Alcaraz fell to Ruud in his opener in part due to a gastro issue, and the loss today did him in. He’s yet to make the final of the event now in three tries.
“It has been a difficult week,” Alcaraz said. “For me struggling with some physical problems, but at the same time it has been a really beautiful tournament. It is a privilege every time that I play this tournament, the best eight players of the world. I try to take the most of these matches. I will learn from this.
“I think I’ve played good tennis here this week. Today I faced one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, playing really solid and great tennis. I was there. Just a little bit disappointed, but happy anyway to have played this tournament once again.”
Zverev was too strong taking the opening set moved to 6-5 against Alcaraz after the 7-6(5), 6-4 win.
“I think it was high level from both of us,” Zverev said. “Especially in the most important moments, I think both of us raised our games, really produced some entertaining tennis.”
Ruud would take care of Rublev 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. One Ruud won the first set he had qualified, but still managed to win the match of Rublev who leaves Turin without a win.
“Tennis is interesting sometimes. I don’t know what I am doing better this week than the past few weeks but the only thing is serving, I am serving really well,” Ruud told the ATP. “It is tough to play the best players in the world but nice because you feel you are an underdog and can play free and you know if you don’t bring your A plus level you will likely lose.
“I knew coming into this match that a set was enough to qualify, so I was a bit nervous at the start. So when I got that first set I could breath out a little. I still focused on the match and finished with a good third set.”
On Saturday, the 2-time champion Zverev will face Taylor Fritz while home hero Jannik Sinner faces Ruud.
Fritz leads 6-5 with recent wins at the Laver Cup and the US Open.
“I’m getting the chance to play Taylor again, who beat me the last two times we played, at Wimbledon and US Open. I’m looking forward to that match,” Zverev said.
Sinner is 2-0 against Ruud but the two haven’t met since 2021.
“Jannik this year has been the best player in the world throughout the whole year. Deservedly year-end world No. 1. This week also has been playing flawless tennis. Hasn’t dropped a set,” Ruud said of the Italian.
“If I want to have any chance against him tomorrow, I know I need to play my best tennis, probably some of my best tennis in the last weeks, months, even the year. It’s going to be probably the toughest match I will play this year.”
“But it’s a fun challenge. It’s not every day you get to play against world No. 1. Last final I played against a world No. 1 was against Novak in Monte-Carlo and I was able to win it. At least I have some experience and some good feelings about it from earlier this year. I’m going to know that anything can happen. But I’m going to be the underdog and I’ll just do my best.”
SATURDAY ATP FINALS SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE
CENTRE COURT start 12 p.m.
[8] Kevin Krawietz (GER) / Tim Puetz (GER) vs [5] Max Purcell (AUS) / Jordan Thompson (AUS)
Not Before 2:30 p.m.
[2] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs [5] Taylor Fritz (USA)
Not Before 6 p.m.
[7] Harri Heliovaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR) vs [1] Marcelo Arevalo (SLV) / Mate Pavic (CRO)
Not Before 8:30 p.m.
[1] Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs [6] Casper Ruud (NOR)
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