Casper Ruud made the perfect start to his Nitto ATP Finals on Monday when he upset former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Carlos Alcaraz for his first win against the Spaniard.
Two years ago, the Norwegian made the championship match at the Inalpi Arena. He has picked up where he left off in Turin and it is no coincidence, according to his father and coach, Christian Ruud.
“He was, of course, very proud the first year he qualified here and it's special to be among the eight best,” Christian told ATPTour.com. “I think he gets a little bit extra motivation and finds a little extra energy, it looks like. So especially this year, it's been a tough last couple months.
“We put a lot of work into trying to play well here, and today had a good start. He feels comfortable on the court, and he feels comfortable here in Italy with good pasta and good food. He just enjoys it here, I think.”
Casper has been enjoying Spaghetti vongole, which features a mix of clams and seafood with pasta. It has worked well so far for a player who had not earned a Top 10 victory since defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona final in April.
Alcaraz entered their encounter with a 4-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead against Ruud. But it was the sixth seed who turned the tables for a 6-1, 7-5 triumph.
It was a confidence-boosting victory, especially because the Norwegian arrived in Italy on a four-match losing streak.
“I think it'll change the mindset and the confidence, of course, but we're humble,” Ruud said. “We know all the players are good. If you're ranked 20 or 40 or 70, they're all tough players. You have to play well. Casper was struggling with some sickness and stuff like that, the second half [of the season], so I think played a little bit of a role.
“But the past couple of weeks he has been feeling good, just trying to find the game and play well and get some wins.”
Ruud has historically enjoyed his biggest breakthroughs on clay. He is a two-time Roland Garros finalist and has done well to use his big forehand and heavy game on the surface.
How has the court inside the Inalpi Arena been playing.
“I think the last weeks were quite fast, but I think here the courts feels good for him,” Ruud said. “He's been playing well here [on] fast court [in the past]. So it doesn't really matter faster, medium, but if he has a good feeling, it helps a lot.”
Now Ruud is 1-0 in the John Newcombe Group and in good position to make another charge at the season finale.
“I think it's just being here, the eight best. You know that all of these players have done well throughout the year, and you're one of them, so it can make you a little bit proud that you're selected among the eight best,” Ruud said. “He's looking for some wins, and he got a really good one today, so I think he just enjoys being here, enjoys the atmosphere and the court.
“He knows that he's going on vacation after Nitto, so you can give all the last energy that he has for the year because it's been a long year, and I think all the players are tired, of course. But he knows that after here he can just relax, go to the beach and enjoy a week off without tennis racquets.