Casper Ruud is through to the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals after a tight victory over Taylor Fritz.
The Norwegian hit 14 aces in a serve-dominated match which he won 6-3 4-6 7-6(6). Ruud’s victory sees him top of the Green Group regardless of the results of the third round-robin matches on Thursday.
Tuesday night’s result also means that Rafael Nadal is eliminated from the competition, and thus, Carlos Alcaraz will end the season as world number one.
Ruud started the match in fine fashion, breaking early and racing into a 3-0 lead, before seeing the set out for 6-3. His serve caught the eye throughout the match, before Fritz finally broke serve in the second set.
Fritz found the breakthrough while Ruud served to stay in the second set at 4-5 down, forcing a deciding set.
The American hung onto his serve in the decider. He saved one of two break points at 2-3 down with an outrageous diving backhand volley.
Ruud’s strong serving and heavy hitting made the difference in tie-break, and looked buoyant after taking his third match point opportunity.
Ruud said ‘it feels great to sit here knowing that I’ve qualified for the semifinal, which was a goal for probably everyone playing here. I’m the first one to do it, so that feels great.’
‘It’s one of my best serving matches, serve performances, in my career. The court is pretty fast, so it gives me more free points than usual with the serve, a little bit extra speed.‘
Ruud will face Rafael Nadal in Thursday’s afternoon match. Fritz will play Felix Auger-Aliassime in a straight shootout for second place on Thursday Night. Both players are contesting their first ATP Finals.
