ATP Finals: Sensational Casper Ruud moves into semi-finals in Turin as Alcaraz and Rublev exit in group stage

Casper Ruud overcame Andrey Rublev in a thrilling three-set match, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, securing the second spot in the John Newcombe Group. With this victory, Ruud narrowed the head-to-head gap to 5-3 and advanced to the semifinals for the third time in his three appearances at the ATP Finals.

Despite entering the tournament with a questionable form—holding a 1-7 record since the start of the Asian Swing—the world No. 7 has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. After a surprising win against Alcaraz and now against Rublev, Ruud continues his journey in Turin.

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Both players had chances to qualify for the semifinals, though Rublev, coming off consecutive losses to Alcaraz and Zverev, needed a straight-sets win to surpass Ruud in the standings. The match remained evenly contested until 3-3 in the opening set when Ruud created his first break chances, taking a 4-3 lead. The 3-time Grand Slam finalist then secured the set 6-4 without facing much resistance.

Rublev started strong, but as the match progressed, his first-serve percentage dropped, finishing the first set with just 46% accuracy.

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In the second set, Rublev improved significantly, raising his first-serve percentage to over 70%, while Ruud maintained over 80% effectiveness. Rublev dominated the rallies, hitting 20 winners compared to Ruud's 12, but the Norwegian kept points short and limited Rublev’s powerful forehand. After saving two set points in the 10th game, Ruud eventually conceded the set 5-7 in the following game.

The third set saw a quick shift in momentum. Rublev broke in the third game, taking a 3-1 lead, but Ruud fought back with two consecutive breaks, sealing the win with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 scoreline.

Ruud now faces an even tougher challenge as he takes on world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. The Italian enters the match with an impressive 68-6 season record and leads the head-to-head 2-0, with both wins on indoor hard courts.