Casper Ruud is in a fierce battle for a spot at the ATP Finals, and this week at the 2023 Shanghai Masters is very important for that.
Casper Ruud has had a fine season so far, but it's not been that good when compared to the previous year. The Norwegian made a huge mistake with his schedule, which derailed the first part of the season greatly. He admitted that he would not be doing that again because he was still paying the price for it.
With only a couple of weeks of tennis left, Ruud has not ensured his place at the ATP Finals. He played there last year and is in a close battle with multiple players for a spot in Turin, making this week in Shanghai very important.
He certainly played like it against Christopher Eubanks, beating him in two sets, and after the match, Ruud detailed his stressful finish to the season by comparing it to his hectic schedule last year.
I played Davis Cup in Norway and then a week later I played Laver Cup in London and then I went straight to Asia, so I was a little exhausted. This year I didn't make a final until the US Open, so I had more time at home and I enjoyed. I used those two weeks back home really well and I feel ready and motivated.
Ruud had a really solid week in Beijing, though, he couldn't overcome his old nemesis, Carlos Alcaraz. Still, every point matters, and while the indoor season is not his favourite part of the year, he'll certainly have to step up if he wants to be at the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin.
At this stage of the season I'm currently number 10 in the Race to Turin, so I know every week is going to matter, and that's motivating and a bit stressful at the same time, but I like the battle and the competition.
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