Day 2 of the Nitto ATP Finals delivered a stunning upset that no one saw coming. Carlos Alcaraz, widely regarded as the second favorite to clinch the title behind Jannik Sinner, suffered a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Casper Ruud. The match was a stark departure from Alcaraz’s usual form, with the world number three producing one of his most lackluster performances of the season. The outcome underscored lingering issues in Alcaraz’s game, particularly on indoor courts, where he has historically struggled to find his rhythm and adaptability.
The four-time Grand Slam champion found himself completely overpowered in the opening set, managing to win just one game. Although there was a flicker of resurgence in the second set, Alcaraz’s recovery was short-lived. He surged ahead 5-2 and was within striking distance of closing out the set, only to see his form and focus falter in the crucial moments. Ruud seized the opportunity, mounting a stunning comeback by winning five consecutive games to clinch the match. This victory was a major shock, given Ruud’s lackluster form post-US Open and his status as a perceived underdog, having secured his place in the ATP Finals largely due to Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal.
This unexpected loss has serious implications for Alcaraz’s campaign in Turin. Last year, he similarly stumbled in his opening match against Sascha Zverev but managed to fight his way into the semifinals. This time, the 21-year-old from Murcia faces an uphill battle, needing to recover quickly and prepare for a high-stakes showdown with the loser of the clash between Zverev and Andrey Rublev. Alcaraz’s sluggish performance raised questions about his fitness, with speculation swirling that he may be battling a flu virus that reportedly affected him shortly after arriving in Turin.
Despite the illness, Alcaraz’s struggles on indoor surfaces are not new. Throughout his career, he has consistently shown difficulties adapting his high-energy game to these conditions, and the results have been mixed. In a recent interview with Eurosport, tennis analyst and former player Mats Wilander expressed skepticism about Alcaraz’s prospects at the ATP Finals. “There’s a lot of doubt with Carlos Alcaraz,” Wilander noted. “Even though he won two majors in the French Open and Wimbledon, and reached the Olympic final, people want more. They point to his losses against players ranked outside the top 10 and question his consistency. But, ironically, this could work in his favor when playing against the elite eight here. He has nothing to lose and everything to prove.”
Wilander went on to highlight Alcaraz’s challenges against certain opponents, particularly Sascha Zverev, who has been a thorn in his side on indoor courts. “No one puts more pressure on Carlos’s serve than Zverev. Indoors, the dynamics change—Alcaraz’s trademark drop shots skid and become more predictable, making him vulnerable.”
To reach the semifinals, Alcaraz must significantly elevate his level. His attitude and body language throughout the match against Ruud suggested a player grappling with both physical and mental obstacles. Nevertheless, if there is one constant about Alcaraz, it is his fighting spirit and capacity to bounce back from adversity.
On the flip side, Ruud’s triumph was a revelation. The Norwegian, who many had written off due to poor results following the US Open, delivered an inspired performance. Without dropping a set, he dismantled a player considered one of the most dangerous on the tour. Ruud, a former finalist at the ATP Finals, demonstrated exceptional poise and precision. He later admitted to being aware of Alcaraz’s compromised physical state but remained focused on executing his game plan. “I knew he was dealing with a bit of a cold. I saw him sniffling in the back area with a tissue for his nose, so that’s a sign that maybe physically he won’t be necessarily at 100 percent,” Ruud explained. “Of course, that is sad and not good for him, but at the same time, it is part of the game.”
Ruud reflected on the challenges of facing an underperforming opponent: “When you kind of know someone is not at their best, it can actually make things more stressful for you. I had to keep my head down and stick to my strategy, and thankfully, it worked out. Getting the early break helped me settle in, and in the second set, I turned things around with some solid tennis when it mattered.”
Looking ahead, Ruud will face the winner of the match between Zverev and Rublev, a contest that promises to test his newfound momentum. This victory could be the confidence boost Ruud needs to reassert himself among the elite players of the tour. For Alcaraz, however, it’s a moment of reflection and resilience. The Spaniard’s journey in Turin hangs by a thread, and only a swift return to form will allow him to keep his championship hopes alive. The next few days will be critical as he seeks to rediscover his game and remind everyone why he remains one of tennis’s brightest stars.