You’ve Been Upgraded! Alcaraz’s Winning Strategy vs. Ruud

Carlos Alcaraz’s unsung hero in his US Open final win over Casper Ruud was his run-around forehand.

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in the US Open final on Sunday, due in large part to him hitting a slew of run-around forehands standing in the Ad court to counter the Norwegian’s full-court press towards his backhand. Ruud played a tactically savvy final by flattening out his high, heavy groundstrokes and ripping them repeatedly at Alcaraz’s backhand wing. It almost worked. Ruud won a higher percentage of baseline points: 45 per cent (64/141) to Alcaraz’s 43 per cent (59/136).

Alcaraz’s tenacity to upgrade to forehands standing in the Ad court saw him turn 97 groundstrokes from backhands into forehands. In a match decided by only five points (127-122), this specific battle was as important as any other to Alcaraz in capturing his first Grand Slam title.

Alcaraz Groundstrokes (excluding returns, volleys & overheads)

• Forehands = 61% (195)
• Backhands = 39% (125)
• Total = 320

On the surface, Alcaraz hit many more forehands than backhands. But once you examine where Alcaraz was standing when he hit them, you get a better idea of a hidden layer of his successful match strategy.

Alcaraz Forehand Groundstrokes

• Run-Around Forehands = 97 (standing in the Ad court)
• Normal Forehands = 98 (standing in the Deuce court)

Ruud made Alcaraz hit 125 backhands, and if Ruud had his way, the 97 run-around forehands would also have been Alcaraz backhands. If that were the case, Ruud would surely have secured both hands on the silver trophy. Ruud basically threw the kitchen sink at Alcaraz’s backhand through the Ad court.

Alcaraz Total Groundstrokes

• Struck standing in the Ad court = 69% (222)
• Struck standing in the Deuce court = 31% (98)
• Total = 320

Alcaraz’s run-around forehand was solid in the opening two sets, with six errors and one winner from 40 shots. It stood tall in the final two sets with six errors and eight winners from 57 shots. In fact, Alcaraz made his last six run-around forehands in the third set and 16 straight in the fourth set before finally missing one. His run-around forehand was the rock he desperately needed to close out the match. Alcaraz hit 125 backhands for the match, committing 21 backhand errors while capturing five winners. The run-around forehand gave the overheating backhand much-needed relief.

Alcaraz At Net

The net was also a safe haven for the 19-year-old Spaniard to deflect the fight to another part of the court. Alcaraz won 71 per cent (15/21) serving and volleying and an extremely solid 76 per cent (34/45) coming forward overall. His willingness to come forward to finish points makes him a dangerous multi-dimensional opponent with so many places on the court to beat you.

Rally Length

The average rally length for the final was a crisp 4.1 shots, with almost two out of three points (65%) played in the 0-4 shot rally length.

Rally Length Played

• 0-4 Shots = 65%
• 5-8 Shots = 23%
• 9+ Shots = 12%

Alcaraz forged a small but significant advantage in the shortest two rally lengths, accounting for 88 per cent of total points. He lost the long rallies 16-13, but it didn’t hurt him because it only accounted for 12 per cent of total points.

Rally Length Won/Lost

• 0-4 Shots = Alcaraz 84/Ruud 79
• 5-8 Shots = Alcaraz 30/Ruud 27
• 9+ Shots = Alcaraz 13/Ruud 16

It was a very close final with history on the line. Upgrading 97 backhands to forehands could very well have been the centerpiece.