Tennis

Casper Ruud's 2024 season ended abruptly in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals, where he was outplayed by Jannik Sinner. Ruud, known for his patient and defensive style, found himself outmatched by Sinner's aggressive and powerful play."I didn't learn tennis going for a winner on the first or second shot," Ruud said after his 6-1, 6-2 defeat. "My mentality, how I grew up playing a lot on clay in Spain, it was a different way of playing tennis."Ruud acknowledged that his style of play can be vulnerable against hard-hitters like Sinner. "Against someone like Jannik, it's something missing, definitely felt today and something I will know next time I play him," he said.Despite the setback, Ruud remains confident in his game. "In my eyes, it's too late to change what kind of player I am at this point. I'm 25. The structure of my game is already there," he said.Ruud draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal, who has successfully adapted his clay-court game to other surfaces. "I've definitely been kind of shaped by watching a lot of Rafa tennis," Ruud said. "I really loved watching those guys play. I find that way of playing tennis really nice. I like it myself."However, Ruud recognizes the challenges of playing on hard courts, where his style is more vulnerable. "The majority of the season is played on hard court, a faster surface. It is a game style that is kind of vulnerable to hard-hitters, fast players," he said.Ruud praised Sinner's performance, noting that he has made significant progress since their last meeting three years ago. "It's almost a perfect season. Yeah, I hope he calms down for next year," Ruud said with a smile. "I admire Jannik a lot as a player. As a person, he's very serious about what he does. Yeah, it's inspiring. Even though he's younger than me, I have a lot to learn from him."Despite the disappointing end to his season, Ruud is projected to finish at No. 6 in the year-end rankings.

Nitto ATP Finals: Zverev Favored to Top Alcaraz in Crucial Group ClashThe Nitto ATP Finals reaches its climax on Friday with a pivotal clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. The outcome of this match will determine the winner of the John Newcombe group and potentially shape the semifinals.Alcaraz, the world No. 1, has a lot to play for. A win would give him a strong chance of reaching the final four, while a straight-set victory would secure the top spot in the group. However, Zverev, the 2021 champion, is the slight favorite heading into the match.Recent form favors Zverev, who has won seven consecutive matches against a formidable lineup of opponents. His impressive run includes victories over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, and Andrey Rublev. In contrast, Alcaraz has struggled on indoor hard courts, a surface that suits Zverev's power game.Zverev's booming serve and ability to grind from the baseline make him a formidable opponent on indoor courts. He has a first-serve percentage of 70.3% on hard courts in 2024, making it difficult for Alcaraz to break his serve.While Alcaraz has improved his serve this season, Zverev's serve has been untouchable for most of the year. The German should get a few cracks at breaking Alcaraz, who has been under the weather this week.Furthermore, Zverev has a strong incentive to win this match. A victory would give him the top spot in the group and avoid a potential semifinal clash with Jannik Sinner.Based on recent form, surface preference, and the importance of the match, Alexander Zverev is the favored player to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in this crucial Nitto ATP Finals group clash.

Carlos Alcaraz's resilience and determination were on full display at the Nitto ATP Finals as he overcame illness and breathing difficulties to secure a crucial victory over Andrey Rublev. The Spaniard's performance was aided by a bright pink nasal dilator, which significantly improved his breathing and recovery between points.Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, had been struggling with illness and breathing issues, raising concerns about his participation in the tournament. However, he defied the odds and fought through the discomfort, showcasing the mental fortitude that has become his trademark.The nasal dilator, a device that manually widens the nostrils, has gained popularity among athletes for its ability to increase airflow and improve performance. Alcaraz credited the strip with helping him recover better between points and breathe more efficiently.The Spaniard's victory over Rublev keeps him in contention for a spot in the semifinals. He will face Rolex Paris Masters champion Alexander Zverev on Friday in a must-win match. With all four members of the Newcombe group still mathematically in contention, Alcaraz's fate remains in his own hands.Alcaraz's use of the nasal dilator has sparked interest among tennis fans and athletes alike. The device has been used by other tennis players, including Nicolas Jarry and Maria Sharapova, who have reported improved air intake and performance.Alcaraz has confirmed that he will continue to wear the nasal dilator while in Turin. He believes it has significantly improved his breathing and recovery, giving him an edge on the court.The Spaniard's performance at the Nitto ATP Finals is a testament to his unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity. With the help of the nasal dilator, Alcaraz has shown that he is not only a talented player but also a resilient competitor who is willing to go the extra mile to achieve his goals.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, overcame illness and a determined Andrey Rublev to secure his first victory at the Nitto ATP Finals on Wednesday. Despite battling chest tightness and breathing issues, Alcaraz displayed resilience and tactical prowess to defeat Rublev 6-3, 7-6 (8) in one hour and 35 minutes.Alcaraz, who had lost his opening match to Casper Ruud, admitted to being surprised by his performance. "I was really calm and focused on my game," he said. "I tried to forget about my illness and execute my tactics effectively."Rublev, the No. 8 seed, struggled to match Alcaraz's intensity and made several unforced errors. The Spaniard broke Rublev's serve twice in the first set and held his own serve comfortably.The second set was a closer affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreaker. Alcaraz seized the initiative early on, but Rublev fought back to level the score at 4-4. However, Alcaraz's defense-to-offense transitions proved too strong for Rublev, and he eventually sealed the victory with a forehand winner.Alcaraz's victory keeps his hopes of reaching the semifinals alive. He will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev in his final round-robin match, with the winner advancing to the last four.Despite his recent struggles, Alcaraz remains a formidable opponent. His ability to adapt his game and overcome adversity is a testament to his talent and determination. With his illness seemingly behind him, Alcaraz will be confident of making a deep run in Turin.

Daniil Medvedev has rediscovered his winning ways at the Nitto ATP Finals, adopting a "just don't care" approach to silence the noise and regain his focus.After a disappointing loss to Taylor Fritz in his opening match, Medvedev bounced back with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur. The Russian became the first player this season to not drop serve against De Minaur, who has played 65 matches in 2022.Medvedev's newfound mentality was evident throughout the match. He remained composed under pressure, blocking out the distractions and focusing solely on his game. "I found the way by not caring," Medvedev explained. "Just don't care. Your boss is screaming at you, just block the noise and say 'I don't care.'"De Minaur was unable to match Medvedev's intensity, particularly in the opening set. The Australian was broken twice, with Medvedev's heavy forehand and precise drop shots proving too much to handle.Medvedev maintained his high level of play in the second set, keeping De Minaur at bay with his strong serve and aggressive groundstrokes. The Russian earned a crucial break in the ninth game with a backhand passing shot, sealing the victory without facing a single break point.Medvedev's performance was a testament to his mental resilience and ability to adapt to different opponents. By embracing a "just don't care" attitude, he was able to silence the noise and focus on his own game, ultimately securing a much-needed win.

Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, made a triumphant return to the Nitto ATP Finals on Monday, securing his first victory in three appearances. Despite a recent slump, Ruud showcased his resilience and determination, overcoming world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 6-1, 7-5 encounter.Ruud's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first win over a Top 3 opponent on hard courts. The 2022 runner-up displayed exceptional composure and tactical brilliance throughout the match, neutralizing Alcaraz's aggressive style of play.The opening set was a dominant performance by Ruud. He broke Alcaraz's serve in the third game and never looked back, winning the set 6-1. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors and failing to convert break point opportunities.In the second set, Alcaraz showed signs of improvement, breaking Ruud's serve to take a 4-2 lead. However, Ruud remained unfazed and broke back immediately. With Alcaraz serving for the set at 5-3, Ruud produced a stunning backhand lob winner to earn two break points. He capitalized on the opportunity, forcing another unforced error from Alcaraz to level the set at 5-5.Ruud's momentum continued to build, and he broke Alcaraz's serve once again in the 11th game. With the match on his racquet, Ruud sealed the victory with an ace, securing his 50th win of the season.Ruud's victory sets the stage for an exciting John Newcombe Group round robin encounter on Wednesday. He will face either two-time champion Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev in his next match.

The Nitto ATP Finals, the prestigious year-end tournament for the top eight players in the world, will culminate the 2024 ATP season in Turin, Italy. This year's field boasts an impressive lineup, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex De Minaur, and Andrey Rublev.Despite the absence of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, the tournament promises to be an exhilarating spectacle. Sinner, the runner-up last year, will be eager to triumph on home soil. Alcaraz, who shared this year's Grand Slams with Sinner, will be a formidable contender. Zverev, fresh from his Rolex Paris Masters victory, has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the year.The tournament format consists of two round-robin groups of four players, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The court conditions in Turin are expected to be extremely fast, favoring big servers and quick-strike baseline play.In the Ilie Nastase Group, Sinner is the clear favorite to emerge. His exceptional hard-court record, coupled with his dominance on indoor surfaces, makes him a formidable opponent. Taylor Fritz, with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, is a slight favorite over Medvedev for the second spot.The John Newcombe Group is more competitive. Zverev, with his impressive hold percentage and experience in winning the year-end finals, is a strong contender. Alcaraz, despite his struggles in fast conditions, remains a threat due to his exceptional talent. Rublev and Ruud are also capable of causing upsets.Based on the analysis, Jannik Sinner is the pick to win the Nitto ATP Finals. His combination of serve, return, and baseline power, coupled with the home crowd advantage, makes him the most likely candidate to lift the trophy in Turin.

Alex de Minaur's pursuit of a maiden Nitto ATP Finals berth has taken a significant step forward with his impressive performance at the Rolex Paris Masters. The Australian has moved into a qualifying position after avenging his US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jack Draper in a thrilling three-set encounter.De Minaur's victory over Draper, who had won the Vienna title the previous week, was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite losing the opening set, the 25-year-old rallied back to claim the next two sets and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.With his victory, De Minaur has leapfrogged Andrey Rublev for the No. 8 spot in the race to Turin. If he advances to the semifinals, he will overtake Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud to further improve his chances of qualifying for the season-ending event.Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas remain in contention to shake up the race leaderboard, but De Minaur's performance in Paris has put him in a strong position. The Australian is aiming to become the first man from his nation to qualify for the ATP Finals in twenty years, following in the footsteps of his mentor Lleyton Hewitt.De Minaur's success in Paris is a continuation of his impressive season, which has seen him reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters and win the Atlanta Open. His consistent performances have solidified his status as one of the rising stars of the ATP Tour.As the Rolex Paris Masters progresses, De Minaur will face a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against either 2022 champion Holger Rune or French lucky loser Arthur Cazaux. However, the Australian has shown that he has the game and the determination to overcome any obstacle in his path to Turin.

Andrey Rublev's hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals for a fifth consecutive season suffered a major setback on Tuesday as he was upset by Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters. The 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) defeat leaves Rublev's fate hanging in the balance, with Alex de Minaur now poised to leapfrog him for a Turin ticket.Rublev had been closely monitoring the race to the ATP Finals in recent weeks, but his bid to secure his place was put in jeopardy by Cerundolo's inspired performance. The Argentine saved three break points in a marathon game to reach 6-5 in the second set and then clinched the match in a tense tiebreak.With Rublev's loss, de Minaur now has a chance to overtake him in the ATP Race to Turin standings. The Australian began the Paris Masters 165 points behind Rublev and will face Cerundolo's compatriot Mariano Navone in his first-round match.Grigor Dimitrov, the returning finalist in Paris, can also join the ATP Finals conversation with another deep run. Casper Ruud, who was one spot ahead of Rublev in the standings, now has more breathing room to work with.Rublev expressed his disappointment after the match but acknowledged that the players who could prevent him from qualifying are "wonderful people." He added, "If I don't qualify, I'll be happy for them."Soon after Cerundolo's victory, it was announced that Taylor Fritz had become the fifth player to qualify for the ATP Finals. The top-ranked American joins Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev in the eight-man field.There are two ATP 250 events available to hopefuls seeking the final three places next week in Metz and Belgrade. Rublev did not initially enter either tournament, but could pursue a wild card if it impacts his chances of making the ATP Finals.