Tennis

Casper Ruud's 2024 season ended abruptly in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals, where he was outplayed by Jannik Sinner. Ruud, known for his patient and defensive style, found himself outmatched by Sinner's aggressive and powerful play."I didn't learn tennis going for a winner on the first or second shot," Ruud said after his 6-1, 6-2 defeat. "My mentality, how I grew up playing a lot on clay in Spain, it was a different way of playing tennis."Ruud acknowledged that his style of play can be vulnerable against hard-hitters like Sinner. "Against someone like Jannik, it's something missing, definitely felt today and something I will know next time I play him," he said.Despite the setback, Ruud remains confident in his game. "In my eyes, it's too late to change what kind of player I am at this point. I'm 25. The structure of my game is already there," he said.Ruud draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal, who has successfully adapted his clay-court game to other surfaces. "I've definitely been kind of shaped by watching a lot of Rafa tennis," Ruud said. "I really loved watching those guys play. I find that way of playing tennis really nice. I like it myself."However, Ruud recognizes the challenges of playing on hard courts, where his style is more vulnerable. "The majority of the season is played on hard court, a faster surface. It is a game style that is kind of vulnerable to hard-hitters, fast players," he said.Ruud praised Sinner's performance, noting that he has made significant progress since their last meeting three years ago. "It's almost a perfect season. Yeah, I hope he calms down for next year," Ruud said with a smile. "I admire Jannik a lot as a player. As a person, he's very serious about what he does. Yeah, it's inspiring. Even though he's younger than me, I have a lot to learn from him."Despite the disappointing end to his season, Ruud is projected to finish at No. 6 in the year-end rankings.

Casper Ruud has secured his place in the semifinals of the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, becoming the third player to qualify after Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Ruud's qualification was confirmed after he won the first set of his final round-robin match against Andrey Rublev, guaranteeing himself a second-place finish in the John Newcombe Group.Ruud, the sixth seed, needed only to win one set against Rublev to advance to the semifinals, having split his first two round-robin matches against Alcaraz and Zverev. The Norwegian played a clean opening set against Rublev, breaking his opponent's serve once and serving out the set 6-4.Ruud will now face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, who finished first in the Ilie Nastase Group with a 3-0 record. The second semifinal will be between Zverev and No. 5 seed Taylor Fritz, who scored wins over Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur.Ruud has now made at least the semifinals in three of the last four ATP Finals, with 2023 being the only exception. After a subpar season in 2023, Ruud has put together a much more consistent year in 2024, winning his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona and reaching a second career Masters 1000 final at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.Despite his recent illnesses and injuries, Ruud has shown his resilience and determination by qualifying for the semifinals in Turin. He will be an underdog against Sinner, but he will be hoping to cause an upset and reach his second ATP Finals final.

Casper Ruud's stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Despite Alcaraz's illness and Ruud's recent struggles, the Norwegian delivered a dominant performance, serving at an impressive 68.0% and controlling the match with his powerful forehand.Ruud's resurgence at the year-end event is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a disappointing run-up to the Finals, including a loss to Benjamin Bonzi in Metz, Ruud has rediscovered his form in Turin. His 5-3 record at the ATP Finals highlights his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most.In his upcoming match against Alexander Zverev, Ruud will face a formidable opponent. However, Zverev's return game is not as strong as Alcaraz's, and Ruud's consistent serving and aggressive forehand should give him an edge.Ruud's ability to win over 8.5 games in this match is a compelling betting proposition. Even in a straight-set loss, Ruud's strong serve and forehand should allow him to rack up holds and keep the match competitive.The fast indoor hard courts in Turin favor servers, and Ruud's recent serving performance suggests that he can exploit this advantage. Zverev's lower break percentage and higher Ace Rate Against compared to Alcaraz further support the case for Ruud to win over 8.5 games.While Zverev has improved significantly since his last meeting with Ruud on hard courts in 2022, Ruud has also made strides in his game. Additionally, Ruud's previous success against Zverev in similar conditions bodes well for his chances in this match.Ruud's ability to control points with his forehand and exploit Zverev's shaky forehand will be crucial. By dictating the pace and direction of the rallies, Ruud can limit Zverev's opportunities to attack and force him into errors.

Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, made a triumphant return to the Nitto ATP Finals on Monday, securing his first victory in three appearances. Despite a recent slump, Ruud showcased his resilience and determination, overcoming world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 6-1, 7-5 encounter.Ruud's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first win over a Top 3 opponent on hard courts. The 2022 runner-up displayed exceptional composure and tactical brilliance throughout the match, neutralizing Alcaraz's aggressive style of play.The opening set was a dominant performance by Ruud. He broke Alcaraz's serve in the third game and never looked back, winning the set 6-1. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors and failing to convert break point opportunities.In the second set, Alcaraz showed signs of improvement, breaking Ruud's serve to take a 4-2 lead. However, Ruud remained unfazed and broke back immediately. With Alcaraz serving for the set at 5-3, Ruud produced a stunning backhand lob winner to earn two break points. He capitalized on the opportunity, forcing another unforced error from Alcaraz to level the set at 5-5.Ruud's momentum continued to build, and he broke Alcaraz's serve once again in the 11th game. With the match on his racquet, Ruud sealed the victory with an ace, securing his 50th win of the season.Ruud's victory sets the stage for an exciting John Newcombe Group round robin encounter on Wednesday. He will face either two-time champion Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev in his next match.

Casper Ruud, the former World No. 2 and current Top 10 player, has endured a disappointing end to the 2024 season. Despite a strong start with a 47-22 record and a 68.1% winning percentage, Ruud has lost seven of his last nine matches, including stunning defeats to Henrique Rocha, Aleksandar Vukic, and Roberto Bautista Agut.Ruud's recent struggles have raised concerns about his motivation and preparation for the end of the season. He has openly criticized the lack of an offseason in tennis, suggesting that he may not be prioritizing this period. This is surprising considering his position in the ATP Finals race.One of Ruud's most notable losses during this slump was against Jordan Thompson in Tokyo. Thompson, who has a 4-3 head-to-head record against Ruud, has won two of their three encounters in 2024. Thompson's success against Ruud stems from his aggressive style of play, featuring a big serve and strong net play.Thompson's ability to exploit Ruud's weaknesses has made him a formidable opponent. While Ruud possesses a powerful forehand and a solid serve, his game can be inconsistent. Thompson has consistently found ways to expose these flaws.Given Ruud's recent form and Thompson's head-to-head advantage, the Australian is a strong pick to win their upcoming match at the Rolex Paris Masters. Despite Ruud's higher ranking and reputation, Thompson's current form and familiarity with his opponent's weaknesses make him the more likely victor.

Holger Rune and Casper Ruud: The Viking Warriors of TennisIn a captivating promotional ad that evokes the grandeur of Viking lore, Holger Rune and Casper Ruud have announced their upcoming Nordic Battle exhibition series. The two Scandinavian tennis stars will engage in a pair of off-season scrimmages, embodying the spirit of their ancestral warriors.The series kicks off on November 30 at the Varner Arena in Asker, Norway, and culminates in Copenhagen's Royal Arena on December 3. Rune and Ruud, both hailing from Nordic nations, have forged a friendly rivalry that has occasionally sparked controversy.Their rivalry reached a boiling point during their 2022 Roland Garros quarterfinal encounter, where Ruud emerged victorious in four sets. In the aftermath, Ruud expressed concerns about Rune's on-court demeanor, suggesting that the young Dane needed to mature.However, time has healed the wounds, and the pair have since developed a more cordial relationship. Rune even playfully teased Ruud's Olympic outfit, which featured a nod to Denmark, during the Paris Games earlier this year."Keep it up with the Scandinavian wins," Rune remarked, despite his own absence from the Olympics due to injury.The Nordic Battle exhibition series promises to showcase the exceptional skills and competitive spirit of Rune and Ruud. As they don the mantle of Viking warriors, they will undoubtedly captivate tennis enthusiasts with their thrilling duels.

The Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament pitting Team Europe against Team World, kicks off with a series of intriguing matches on Friday. While the big stars and crucial encounters are yet to come, the opening day promises a glimpse of the potential fireworks to follow.Casper Ruud vs. Francisco Cerundolo:This match may not be a crowd-pleaser, but it is expected to be competitive. Ruud and Cerundolo have split their six previous meetings, with Cerundolo surprisingly winning their only indoor hard court encounter in Bercy last fall. However, Ruud's experience and superior serve should give him the edge in this matchup.Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis:These fellow Greeks have a history of thrilling encounters. Tsitsipas holds a 1-1 record against Kokkinakis, but the latter's recent victory at the US Open and his love of team play could give him an advantage. Tsitsipas's state of mind, however, remains a question mark.Grigor Dimitrov vs. Alejandro Tabilo:Dimitrov returns to the Laver Cup for the first time since 2018, while Tabilo makes his debut. Despite Tabilo's breakout season, Dimitrov's experience and recent Top 10 ranking should prove too much for the Brazilian.Carlos Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev vs. Taylor Fritz-Ben Shelton:The nightcap doubles match promises to be a spectacle. Alcaraz and Zverev form a formidable duo, but Fritz and Shelton have a strong partnership and the home crowd advantage. Fritz's Olympic bronze medal in doubles could give Team World an edge in this entertaining encounter.

Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, will face off against American Taylor Fritz in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash at the US Open on Sunday. Despite being a three-time Grand Slam runner-up and ranked four spots higher than Fritz in the ATP rankings, Ruud is surprisingly the underdog in this matchup.Fritz has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, showcasing his exceptional hard-court skills. His career winning percentage on hard courts stands at 60.1%, rising to 64.9% over the past year. However, Ruud has also demonstrated significant improvement on this surface, boasting a 67.4% winning percentage over the last 52 weeks.Ruud's success on hard courts is attributed to his improved serve and backhand, as well as his aggressive playing style. He has also proven to be a consistent performer at the US Open, reaching the final in 2021. Fritz, on the other hand, has a more modest record at this Slam, with a quarterfinal appearance as his best result.Despite Fritz's home-court advantage, Ruud's experience and recent form make him a formidable opponent. He has a 2-0 head-to-head record against Fritz, including a victory on indoor hard courts earlier this year.Ruud's ability to hit deep topspin forehands and pounce on short balls gives him an edge over Fritz. While Fritz possesses more firepower, Ruud's superior court coverage and tactical intelligence make him a more complete player.While Ruud's recent form has been inconsistent, he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament. His victories over Gael Monfils and Juncheng Shang demonstrated his ability to raise his level when it matters most.Overall, the oddsmakers' favoritism towards Fritz may be premature. Ruud's proven track record, recent improvement on hard courts, and head-to-head advantage make him a strong contender in this matchup.

Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro: A Rematch with StakesCoco Gauff and Emma Navarro, two rising American tennis stars, will face off in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash at the US Open. Their previous encounters have been a tale of two matches, with Gauff winning on hard courts in Auckland and Navarro triumphing on grass at Wimbledon.For Gauff, this match is a chance to avenge her Wimbledon loss. She acknowledges that Navarro has improved significantly since their last meeting and expects a tough battle. "I need to bring it and mentally be there from the beginning to the end," Gauff said.Navarro, on the other hand, is excited to showcase her skills on a grand stage like Arthur Ashe Stadium. "It's an experience that is something I could have never even dreamed of," she said.Despite their friendship, both players will put their bond aside for the duration of the match. Navarro's aggressive baseline play and anticipation of Gauff's shots proved effective at Wimbledon. Gauff, however, has been in solid form at the Open and will be motivated to avoid a second straight loss to a fellow American.Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud: A Clash of Power and PrecisionTop 15 players Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud will engage in a classic baseline battle in the fourth round. Fritz's powerful serve and strong groundstrokes will face off against Ruud's spinny forehand and consistent play.Fritz has been in impressive form, while Ruud has shown some vulnerability in his previous matches. However, Ruud's slightly higher ranking and experience may give him an edge. Fritz's home-crowd support and determination to succeed at the Open could be the deciding factors.Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin: A Battle of Friends and EntertainersAmerican Frances Tiafoe and Australian Alexei Popyrin will finally face off in a match that has been long anticipated. Despite their friendship, both players are known for their dynamic shot-making and entertaining celebrations.Popyrin's aggressive style could give him an early advantage, but Tiafoe's ability to rally the crowd and turn the match into a running battle could ultimately lead to his victory.