Tennis | Nitto ATP Finals 2024 | Casper Ruud aims to continue momentum against Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz looks to bounce back

11/12/2024 01:57 PM

By Tony Fairbairn

• Alexander Zverev [2] v Casper Ruud [6]
• Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Andrey Rublev [8]

TURIN, ITALY – After defeating Carlos Alcaraz in his opening match, Casper Ruud will aim to continue the momentum when he takes on the in-form Alexander Zverev at the Nitto ATP Finals.

Alexander Zverev [2] v Casper Ruud [6] H2H & Match Fundamentals

It was an impressive opening group stage win for Casper Ruud over Alcaraz and the Norwegian will aim to cause another upset when he takes on the in-form Alexander Zverev in Turin.

Starting with the world number two Zverev, the German gained a straight sets win over Rublev and has been in fine form in the second half of the season. Zverev enters Turin having won the Masters 1000 event at Paris-Bercy and is arguably the favourite for an event he has won twice. However the German will know that he has a tendency to be complacent when the pressure is on him and will aim to continue his incredible run of form by remaining consistent and aggressive.

A tough second group stage match awaits in the form of Ruud who stunned Alcaraz in straight sets. Despite only winning two matches since the US Open, the Norwegian was in confident mood against an under-par Alcaraz and will be hoping that win can give him the confidence to continue building his recent momentum. The sixth seed is a former finalist at the Nitto ATP Finals and Ruud will be hoping the slower conditions in Turin continues to suit his game as he targets a place in the semi-finals.

Zverev will aim to maintain consistency on serve while being aggressive on the forehand in order to neutralize Ruud's baseline game. The topspin forehand of Ruud will look to do damage as he targets winners on the backhand side while being efficient on return. Zverev is the favourite to win this match but Ruud's tactical qualities means that this match could go all the way to a final set tiebreak.

Prediction: Zverev in three sets.

Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Andrey Rublev [8] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Carlos Alcaraz will hope to recover from an unexpected opening match loss when he takes on Andrey Rublev to begin day four of the Nitto ATP Finals.

Despite an aggressive start to the match and a commanding lead in the second set, Alcaraz was unable to be consistent as the Spaniard lacked intensity during his defeat to Ruud. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion is struggling with illness and had to cut short his recent practice session after five minutes. It's unclear what state Alcaraz is going to be in come Wednesday afternoon but the Spaniard will be hoping to produce a performance that represents his incredible season so far.

Next up for Alcaraz is Rublev who showed signs of quality but ultimately came out second best against Zverev. The eighth seed has had an inconsistent year and has lacked control in both attitude and his game in order to push the limits of his potential. However Rublev is a streaky player and is capable of beating any player on any given day and will aim to do the same in order to build momentum ahead of next season.

Alcaraz will use variety to cause Rublev trouble and will need to serve well in order to have a chance in this match. Meanwhile Rublev will dictate on the forehand side and crush the ball consistently to push Alcaraz behind the baseline. If Alcaraz is at his best then the Spaniard should win this match but a similar performance to the one against Ruud and Rublev should have the quality to knock the Spaniard out of the tournament.

Prediction: Rublev in three sets.

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