Emil Ruusuvuori bowed out to superstar Carlos Alcaraz after a tough fight. The Finnish player enjoyed the atmosphere of the Spanish audience.
Joel Sippola,
STT Sports
Emil Ruusuvuori played a great game in the second round of the ATP tournament in Madrid after being ranked number one in the tournament Carlos Alcaraz, 19, against. The Finnish player took the opening set from the second in the world ranking with a score of 6–2.
However, the Spanish star finally turned the match around, cheered on by his home crowd, with scores of 2–6, 6–4 and 6–2.
The beginning of Rosuvuori was very strong. The Finnish player held his serve and broke Alcaraz’s pass twice.
The turning point of the match was seen in the middle of the second period when Ruusuvuori was leading 3–2. Alcaraz was still struggling with his own game, but Ruusuvuori was unable to catch a break despite five break points.
Alcaraz managed to break Ruusuvuori’s pass in the very next pass and roared with relief as the Madrid crowd cheered for his favorite.
– The two sets were really high-quality tennis. There was a chance to get a break in the second set as well. However, it was generally a high-quality thing to do and I put him in a good mood, Ruusuvuori said.
In the third set, Ruusuvuori was no longer able to challenge.
– In the third set, he started to find his own game and my focus dropped again.
Playing Rusuvuori made Alcaraz really strong.
– It was really difficult. I can say that I almost lost. It was only about one point. One of the breaking balls he had in another 2-3 situation was like a match point for him.
– I was really relieved that I was able to manage that game. Emil played incredibly well, but I’m really, really proud to clear it, Alcaraz commented according to the ATP Tour website.
“That level in every match”
Ruusuvuori and Alcaraz had previously met two years ago. At that time, the Finnish player was better in three sets.
The Spanish audience gave Alcaraz their loud support, but Ruusuvuori was not startled by the situation.
– It was a really great field and atmosphere to play on. Even though the crowd was on the opponent’s side, it was a really cool experience against Carlos.
The match showed that Ruuvuori can beat the world’s top 3 players on the best day.
– I know how good tennis I can play. Let’s try to keep that level in every match. I also gained experience from moments that you can learn from.
Rusuvuor was interviewed by Helen Scott-Smith