Tennis News: In a match between the two with the toughest forehand in the ATP tournament, Casper Ruud managed to beat Felix Auger Aliassime when he started the 2022 ATP Finals season in Turin.
Starting the game in Group Green, the Norwegian found a way to beat Canadian Auger Aliassime 7-6, 6-4.
The third seed arrives at the Pala Alpitour for the second ATP final. He won just two of the last four tournaments he entered before arriving in Turin. But he was sharp from game one after consistently producing a powerful shot to put fifth seed Auger Aliassime under pressure.
“I think it’s one of the best levels of play I’ve played since the US Open,” admits Ruud.
“The last few months I have struggled a bit, I have to be honest, but you also have to accept that. You will go through difficult times in your career and maybe the last few months have been one for me. Regardless how hard you train if you don’t win the game, so this time was a big win for me.”
The first match of the Group of the Greens was mainly dominated by the services which determined several crucial moments. The Norwegian looked more consistent to pass the tiebreaker after the first five points were won by the serving player. While the only break chance in the seventh game of the second set was enough for the third seed to end a game that lasted 1 hour 51 minutes.
Although Auger Aliassime hit 30 winners, far more than 19 winners, the Norwegian offered the Canadian little chance in his service game. He didn’t face a single break point opportunity en route to a 3-1 lead in their head to head.
“Felix is heating up this fall and I know he will put on a compelling performance,” Ruud said. “I’m playing well, I’ve found some of the best matches I’ve played in the last few months, so I feel really good to be able to feature him here in the ATP Finals. I know if I have a chance against a player of my group, I will play my best game and this time I was able to do it.”
Ruud will be looking to progress through the group stages for the second time in a row after losing to Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 semi-finals.
“I got off to a positive start, which I needed to win in straight sets. The next match will challenge whoever I face, but at least I won one,” Ruud said.
Article tags: Tennis, ATP Finals, Casper Ruud, Felix Auger Aliassime
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/tenis/casper-ruud-tundukkan-felix-auger-aliassime-di-laga-pembuka-turin
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