Turin Masters – Casper Ruud defeats Félix Auger-Aliassime (7-6, 6-4) in the group stage ahead of Rafael Nadal’s debut

This opening match of the 2022 Turin Masters suggested that Félix Auger-Aliassime was the favorite, but this was not verified in practice. In 1h51, Casper Ruud won against his Canadian counterpart in straight sets (7-6, 6-4).

More in control of his emotions and quickly informed of a failing setback for his opponent, Ruud pocketed a first victory in this green group, where Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz also take their place. This is good news for Ruud, finalist of the last US Open and in slight loss of confidence for a few weeks.

His clenched fist and his howl of joy were symbolic of his satisfaction after his victory against Félix Auger-Aliassime, who was making his debut at the ATP Finals. All smiles after a good fight, Casper Ruud was able to sit on his chair with the feeling of accomplishment.

Ruud did it again for Montreal

Already a clear winner of FAA in Montreal this season (6-1, 6-2), the Scandinavian repeated his performance. Even if this time, the two rounds were more contested than on American soil. 59 minutes long, the first set showed that the two tennis players were very solid on their respective face-offs with no break point obtained on either side.

From then on, the winner of the set was decided during a breathless decisive game. In this little game, FAA broke down mentally with its first two double faults, enough to let Ruud win seven 7-4 in this tie-break. In the aftermath, the Quebecer reacted well despite the loss of this first round, winning his first three face-offs. But at 3-3, the recent semi-finalist at Paris-Bercy conceded the first two break points of the party to Ruud.

Reactive and opportunistic, the fourth in the world at ATP did not miss such an opportunity to break, confirm the break and win the match with authority on his next service game (6-4). For his second participation in the Turin Masters, Ruud takes a favorable first option in qualifying for the semi-finals. Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz, who face each other tonight (9:00 p.m.), will be his next opponents on the program.