Back-to-back straight-sets defeats within the Green Group by Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime meant the 22-time Grand slam champion missed out on the semi-finals. But the Spaniard was clearly keen to not finish a season that started in such spectacular style by succumbing to a fifth successive defeat — one thing the 36-year-old had not skilled since earlier than his profession took off in 2004-05.

With world quantity 4 Ruud already assured of a semi-final berth the match was in actuality a lifeless rubber. Even so
the primary set was filled with depth contained in the Pala Alpitour the place the afternoon crowd was firmly behind Nadal.

Simply. Too. Good. 💪@RafaelNadal defeats Casper Ruud 7-5 7-5 on the #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/bPc8nR7cb6

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 17, 2022

Nadal fought off a few break factors at 4-4 within the opening set as Ruud threatened however after that the Mallorcan discovered the vary on his forehand. The 23-year-old Ruud went down 0-40 on serve at 5-6 and world quantity two Nadal
wanted only one likelihood to seal the set, punching away a volley into an empty court docket. It was an identical story within the second set with nothing between the gamers till Nadal pounced once more within the twelfth sport.

Ruud saved one match level however Nadal then clubbed away a backhand winner to complete his season on a excessive. “I’ve been practicing well but just not had enough matches to be at the level I need to be, not enough confidence after six tough months,” Nadal mentioned on court docket.

“At least I finished with a positive victory which is important.” Ruud will go on to the semi-finals however is now 0-8 in opposition to opponents ranked within the prime three. Later on Thursday debutants Auger-Aliassime and Fritz face off with a semi-final place at stake.