Nitto ATP Finals: Felix Auger-Aliassime end ATP Finals dream of Rafael Nadal

The 22-year-old Canadian served 15 aces, won 81% of the points on the first serve and earned two breakpoints to ensure his victory after one hour and 57 minutes of the intense clash.

After the victory, Felix Auger-Aliassime said, "My serve was great and return and backhand was much better. I was hitting it with more consistency and quality. When I am playing like this, I have proven I can compete and beat some of the best players in the world."

Felix Auger-Aliassime will continue his Nitto ATP Final campaign in a group-stage clash against Taylor Fritz on November 18.

Casper Ruud fends off a tough challenge from Taylor Fritz to reach the semifinals

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First to the final four 👏<br><br>Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/CasperRuud98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CasperRuud98</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NittoATPFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NittoATPFinals</a> <a href="https://t.co/9FPX3EsXqk">pic.twitter.com/9FPX3EsXqk</a></p>&mdash; ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1592644415981776896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Norwegian sensation Casper Ruud fended off a tough challenge from Taylor Fritz of the United States to secure 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(8-6) in a group stage clash of the Nitto ATP Finals at Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, on November 16

Casper Ruud arrived at the Nitto ATP Finals, having won titles at the Buenos Aires Open, Geneva Open, and Gstaad Open. With his victory over Taylor Fritz, he has advanced to the championship match of the ATP Finals for the second year in a row.

Early on in the opening set, the 23-year-old Norwegian built pressure on his American opponents. He carried on with his winning momentum in the second set, but Taylor Fritz roared back to force the match into a decider.

However, Casper Rudd regained his momentum in the third set, produced some explosive strikes, and held his nerves in the tie-break to secure his victory after two hours and 12 minutes of play.

Casper Rudd served 14 aces, won 88% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of his American opponent one time from five opportunities. In contrast, Taylor Fritz served 15 aces, won 85% of the points on the first serve and earned one breakpoint.

After the victory, Casper Ruud said, "I think my movement has been much better in recent weeks. I am moving better now than in the past months. You will face tougher moments in periods of your career when you are heavier in the legs, and they aren't working. But here in Turin, they are working well."

Casper Ruud will next lock horns with Spanish great Rafael Nadal in a group-stage clash at the Nitto ATP Finals on November 17