Casper Ruud had about two hours less match time on his body than US Open final opponent Alcaraz before Sunday’s tennis final.
Ruud prepared for a total of 18 hours in his six matches in the tournament. Alcaraz stands with a good 20.
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The Spaniard played the full 5.15 hours in the quarter-finals and 4.19 hours in the semifinals. This is far more than Ruud has gone through in his last two outings.
Alcaraz also played late into the night in the semifinals and had less time off than Ruud. In three straight matches, the Spaniard needed five sets to advance, while Ruud managed four, three and four sets respectively.
Fact: Ruud’s result goes to the US Open final
First round: Kyle Edmund, United Kingdom 3-0
6-3, 7-5, 6-2.
2nd half: Tim van Rijthoven, Netherlands 3-1
6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Round 3: Tommy Paul, USA 3-2
7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-0.
4th round: Corentin Moutet, France 3-1
6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2.
Quarter-finals: Matteo Berrettini, Italy 3-0
6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
Semifinals: Karen Khatsjanov, independent 3-1
7-6, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.
(© NTB)
Load can be a factor if the finals drag on playing time.
Some tennis experts envision a final of five sets and possibly more than four hours of play.
(© NTB)
Also read: Casper Ruud has earned the record prize
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