Rafael Nadal had not won again since its removal on September 4 in the round of 16 of the US Open, but left the Turin Masters and ended his season with a convincing and promising victory against the No.3 in the world, Casper Ruud.
The Spaniard managed to beat Ruud 7-5, 7-5 on Thursday in a match with nothing at stake Turin Masters Green Groupsince the Spanish was already eliminated and the Norwegian had his presence in the semifinals assured.
The other ticket of the group for the semifinals of the Masters was elucidated in 2 hours and 44 minutes party and fell on the side of the American Taylor Fritz (9th) who defeated the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime (6th) 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 and finished second in the group.
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Ruud conceded an eighth defeat in as many matches against a member of the Top3, without having even managed to win a set against one of those players.
Against his idol Nadal he already conceded a resounding defeat by 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0 in the final of Roland Garros in spring.
On Thursday, on the fast track of Shovel AlpitourNadal was aggressive, with effective service (16 aces, 1 double fault).
After having saved two ‘break’ balls with 4-4, Nadal won the first set taking advantage of his first break ball of the sleeve.
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The scenario was practically the same in the second set, but Nadal was imperial, conceding just three points to Ruud in his service games. With a cross backhand, he ended the game on Ruud’s serve.
“I can’t ask for more, 2022 he had a rough six monthstwo Grand Slam titles, and finish the year in a high place in the ranking,” said Nadal.
“I will try to debut in 2023 with good energy and I will try to be at the level I want to reach right away,” he proclaimed.
