Alcaraz, ill for several days, lost clearly on Monday for his entry into the “masters tournament” against the Norwegian Casper Ruud (7th) 6-1 7-5. Rublev also lost his first match, in straight sets 6-4 6-4, against world No. 2, German Alexander Zverev.
The Russian, lacking results since his lost final at the Masters 1000 in Montreal in August, was no match in the first set against Alcaraz, who showed a completely different face than in his first match, well helped it is true by the numerous direct errors of his opponent (14).
The debates were more balanced in the second set, decided in the decisive game. Alcaraz quickly widened the gap to lead 4-1, then let Rublev come back. He even offered two set points to his opponent, including one with an easy volley into the net, before pocketing the victory after an hour and 35 minutes of play.
The Spaniard seemed less disturbed by his bad cold, even if in the second round, he tried to catch his breath after the longest rallies.
He had cut short his training the day before after a quarter of an hour and for this match wore a pink nasal strip to breathe easier.
The other meeting of this “John Newcombe” group will pit Zverev against Ruud on Wednesday evening (8:30 p.m.). Before the last day of the group stage on Friday, only the Norwegian can qualify this Wednesday if he beats Zverev.
Swiss
