Carlos Alcaraz defeats Ruusuvuor by playing   like Rafael Nadal:

Carlos Alcaraz won his first match at the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday with a performance that would have been commendable of Rafael Nadal at his best.

 

Until he raised his arms 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, Emil Ruusuvuori, ranked 41st at the age of 24, pushed him to the limit and made him put on his dungarees. He ultimately succeeded in raising the admirers who have elevated him to the status of the athlete who has experienced the greatest growth in popularity over the past two years.

 

The Murcian player, who turns 20 on May 5, wants to participate in the Madrid Masters 1000 as a way to mark his milestone. He now has two more days before competing against Grigor Dimitrov on Sunday for a spot in the round of 16. The Spaniard won their lone prior encounter in the round of 16 at Paris-Bercy in 2022.

 

Alcaraz was feeling unwell due to altitude. He had just triumphed in Barcelona at sea level without dropping a set. He played at 657 metres in Madrid's Caja Magica.

 

He tried switching racquets without success. Turning moment With a 3-2 and 15-40, Ruusuvuori was able to get the sentence. Then the champion's magic appeared to win a point on the volley, rousing the crowd. Added two break points were saved. At three-all, Emil, who had always had everything go his way, was put to the test.

 

The Helsinki-born tennis player, who peaked at No. 5 in the junior world rankings, had defeated Dominic Thiem at the Davis Cup in 2019 and Alexander Zverev in Miami 2022's second round.

 

He tried switching racquets without success. Turning moment With a 3-2 and 15-40, Ruusuvuori was able to get the sentence. Then the champion's magic appeared to win a point on the volley, rousing the crowd. Added two break points were saved. At three-all, Emil, who had always had everything go his way, was put to the test.