ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal defeats Casper Rudd

At the ATP Finals, Rafael Nadal overcame Casper Ruud 7-5 7-5, preventing him from matching his worst losing streak.

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Back-to-back straight sets defeats in the Green Group meant the 22-time Grand slam champion missed out on the semi-finals.

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But Nadal was clearly eager not to end a season that began in such spectacular fashion by succumbing to a fifth successive defeat.

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With world number four Ruud already assured of a semi-final berth the match was in reality a dead rubber.

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The 23-year-old Ruud went down 0-40 on serve at 5-6 and world number two Nadal needed just one chance to seal the set.

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