Tennis

The US Open's second round promises an exciting clash between Taylor Fritz and Matteo Berrettini. Fritz, the seeded player, faces Berrettini, who has reached the semifinals or better at three of the four majors.Fritz acknowledges the challenge ahead, predicting a match dominated by serves and holds. Despite Berrettini's impressive Slam record, Fritz holds a perfect 3-0 head-to-head advantage, all on hard courts.Berrettini's recent form has been inconsistent, with injuries and a lack of deep Slam runs. However, his three clay-court titles this year demonstrate his potential.Fritz's consistency and head-to-head edge make him the slight favorite.Another intriguing matchup features Casper Ruud and Gael Monfils. Both players rely heavily on topspin, but they employ it differently. Ruud's powerful forehand generates heavy shots, while Monfils varies his shot-making, keeping opponents guessing.Their previous encounters have been close, with each player winning once. Monfils' serve and spin variety could pose a threat, but Ruud's steadiness and the best-of-five format favor him.Coco Gauff's title defense has begun with a promising win. Despite a recent slump, Gauff expressed confidence in her practice form. Her first-round victory showcased her restored order and precision.Tatjana Maria, Gauff's second-round opponent, is a veteran with an unorthodox style. Her slice and one-handed backhand can disrupt opponents. However, Gauff's power and form should prove too much for Maria.

Casper Ruud, the former world No. 2, has endured a challenging summer marred by illness. After recovering from a stomach parasite at Roland Garros, Ruud revealed that a week-long flu hindered his performances at the Omnium Banque Nationale and the Cincinnati Open."In Montréal, I caught a flu and fever, body aches for four or five days," Ruud said after winning his first round at the 2024 US Open. "Just a bit unlucky. But I'm ready now and hopefully the immune system is healed, stronger than ever, and I can have a good second part of the season now."Despite the setbacks, Ruud remains optimistic. He believes that everyone experiences challenges throughout the year and is grateful to be injury-free."It's ok. Worse things can happen in life, so it's not a problem," Ruud said. "Luckily, I'm injury-free, but can't really control if you catch a flu or something like this."Ruud's physicality remained largely unaffected by the flu, allowing him to resume training ahead of the US Open. He is eager to make up for lost time and perform well in the final Grand Slam tournament of the year."I'm really motivated because I've had a few tournaments where I didn't have the chance to perform as I wanted, big tournaments as well," Ruud said.During his sick days, Ruud indulged in his passion for golf. He has been playing since childhood and enjoys hitting the greens with fellow tennis star Carlos Alcaraz."I've been swinging golf clubs since I was young," said Ruud. "I never really practiced as seriously as I did with tennis, but I really enjoyed going to the driving range, and I still do."Ruud, the No. 8 seed, will face either Gaël Monfils or Diego Schwartzman in the second round of the US Open. Both opponents are sentimental favorites, adding to the excitement of the match.

Casper Ruud's Olympic journey reached new heights on Wednesday as he notched his 250th career victory and became the first Norwegian tennis player to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Games.The 23-year-old Norwegian overcame Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 6-4 in a hard-fought round-of-16 clash. Ruud's triumph marked a significant milestone in his career, making him only the second player born in 1998 or later to achieve 250 career wins, after Stefanos Tsitsipas.Ruud's success at the Olympics is a testament to his impressive form on clay courts. He has won 19 of his last 22 matches at Stade Roland Garros, where the Olympic Tennis Event is being held. His run includes back-to-back finals at the French Open in 2022 and 2023, as well as a semifinal appearance in 2024.In the quarterfinals, Ruud will face another rising star, Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada. Auger-Aliassime also made history for his country by becoming the first Canadian tennis player to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Olympics.Auger-Aliassime's victory over Daniil Medvedev, the world No. 5, was his 16th career win over a Top 10 player. He will be looking to extend his impressive record against Ruud, whom he defeated in straight sets in the fourth round of the Madrid Masters earlier this year.The quarterfinal clash between Ruud and Auger-Aliassime promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most promising young players in the game. Ruud will be aiming to continue his impressive run at the Olympics and make history as the first Norwegian to reach the semifinals.

Casper Ruud, the world's sixth-ranked tennis player, made a fashion statement at the Tokyo Olympics by donning a blue-themed ensemble for his second-round match against Andrea Vavassori. The Norwegian's attire was a stark contrast to the red Yonex shirt he wore in his Olympic debut, which drew criticism for its lack of blue.Ruud expressed his disappointment with the initial kit, saying, "I would have liked to see a little more blue in it myself." However, he emphasized that he had no control over the design and simply wore what was provided.The red shirt also raised eyebrows among fellow Yonex athletes, including Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, who joked about the "Scandinavian wins" and the "outfit." Holger Rune of Denmark, who missed the Olympics due to injury, also commented on the trend, saying, "People might think I play anyway 🇩🇰😂."In his second match, Ruud showcased a more patriotic look with a blue-heavy outfit. He overcame a slow start to defeat Vavassori in three sets, setting up a third-round clash with Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.Ruud's Olympic journey has been marked by both fashion and athleticism. His blue-themed ensemble has become a talking point, while his performances on the court have kept Norway's hopes alive in the men's singles competition.

Casper Ruud's remarkable success on the tennis court has ignited a surge in the popularity of the sport in his native Norway. The 25-year-old's rise to the ATP's elite has inspired a new generation of Norwegian athletes and sparked a significant increase in tennis participation.Ruud's impact extends beyond his on-court achievements. By choosing to train in Norway and engage with local youth, he has demonstrated that pursuing professional tennis is possible even in a country with limited tennis infrastructure. His unwavering work ethic and dedication have set an example for aspiring athletes, fostering a belief that success is attainable through hard work and determination.The Norwegian Tennis Association has witnessed a 40% surge in new members since Ruud's breakout career began. This growth has been attributed to the "Casper Ruud effect," which has instilled confidence in Norwegians that they can achieve success in tennis.Ruud's influence has also led to an increase in corporate interest in tennis. Companies are recognizing the potential of the sport and are eager to invest in its development. This support is crucial for expanding tennis infrastructure and making the sport more accessible to all Norwegians.Despite the progress made, Norway still faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for tennis facilities. The country has a limited number of indoor and outdoor courts, which restricts access to the sport during certain times of the year. Ruud has called for increased investment in building new facilities to address this issue.As Ruud prepares to compete in the Paris Olympics, he carries the hopes of his nation. His past success at Roland Garros, the venue for the Olympic tennis competition, gives him confidence in his ability to perform at the highest level.Beyond any potential medal, Ruud's presence at the Olympics serves as a symbol of Norway's growing presence in the world of sports. His journey has inspired countless young Norwegians to pursue their dreams and has left a lasting mark on the country's sporting landscape.

Casper Ruud's return to clay in singles at the Nordea Open in Bastad did not go as planned, as he suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Thiago Monteiro. However, the Norwegian salvaged the day by teaming up with Rafael Nadal for a thrilling doubles victory.Monteiro, a left-handed Brazilian, unleashed 24 forehand winners to overpower Ruud, who has won 11 clay-court titles, including two this season. The defeat marked Monteiro's second Top 10 victory of the year, having previously eliminated Stefanos Tsitsipas in Madrid.Despite the singles setback, Ruud and Nadal joined forces to defeat Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin 6-4, 3-6, [12-10] in a match that featured a saved match point at 9-10. The duo, dubbed "Team Ruudal," had previously ousted the second seeds in their debut."It was not the best beginning of the day, but very nice way to finish the day for me winning alongside Rafa," Ruud said after the match.Nadal, who will face Cameron Norrie in the second round of singles on Thursday, praised Ruud's performance. "Not easy to be on court after losing singles. Casper played so well this afternoon, so well done for him," said the 22-time Grand Slam champion.When asked about the "Ruudal" nickname, Nadal initially expressed confusion before Ruud clarified. "I have Fedal and now Ruudal, so both!" laughed Nadal.Ruud also commented on Carlos Alcaraz's recent Wimbledon triumph. "He's busy probably partying after winning Wimbledon. He has all the rights to enjoy. If he wants, I'm available on the phone," said Ruud.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, made a triumphant return to the court at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden, after a two-month hiatus. Partnering with world No. 9 Casper Ruud, Nadal secured a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory in doubles over Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela and Guido Andreozzi.Despite rain delays, Nadal and Ruud showcased their exceptional skills, breaking serve four times and winning 27 of the 41 points in the first set. Their experience and chemistry proved invaluable, as they dominated the match from start to finish."We played quite well to be the first time that we played together," said Nadal. "Happy to be back here after almost 20 years."Nadal's return to Bastad was particularly significant, as he had last played in the seaside town in 2005. He won the singles title that year and reached the semifinals in doubles."Good match, no?" said Nadal. "We played quite well to be the first time that we played together."The doubles victory marked Nadal's first since the 2022 Australian Open tune-up tournament in Melbourne. It also served as a boost to Spanish sports, following the recent triumphs of La Roja in the European Championships and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon."We are very proud, all the country, about what they did," said Nadal. "Was an amazing day for the Spanish sport, and I think the sport generates passion and motivation to people, and that's good for the country without a doubt."Nadal will now turn his attention to singles, where he will face Leo Borg on Tuesday. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is eager to continue his winning ways and build momentum ahead of the upcoming US Open.

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and fifth seed Daniil Medvedev overcame early challenges to advance to the third round, while eighth seed Casper Ruud suffered a disappointing exit on a rain-affected Wednesday.Alcaraz faced a stern test from Australian Aleksandar Vukic, narrowly escaping a first-set loss before finding his rhythm to secure a 7-6(5) 6-2 6-2 victory. The Spaniard expressed confidence in rediscovering the form that propelled him to the title last year.Medvedev also encountered difficulties against Alexandre Muller, ranked 102nd in the world. The Russian struggled on Centre Court but eventually prevailed 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5.Second seed Coco Gauff displayed signs of improvement despite a shaky start against Anca Todoni. The American acknowledged the need to minimize errors after winning 6-2 6-1.Wild card Emma Raducanu showcased her dominance with a 6-1 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens. However, former U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon journey ended with a 6-4 6-1 defeat to American Emma Navarro.Rain disrupted play on the outer courts, leading to the early elimination of Ruud. The Italian Fabio Fognini upset the Norwegian 6-4 7-5 6-7(1) 6-3. Ruud expressed disappointment but acknowledged his limitations on grass courts.Later in the day, world number one Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini will face off in a highly anticipated Centre Court clash.

Fabio Fognini, the former world No. 9, has made history by reaching the second week of Wimbledon for the first time in his career. The 37-year-old Italian, now ranked No. 94, defeated No. 8 seed Casper Ruud in a thrilling four-set battle, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (1), 6-3.Fognini's victory marks his first Top 10 win since the 2023 French Open and his first at Wimbledon since 2010. It also extends his streak of reaching the second week at every major except Wimbledon.The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Ruud rallying from 2-5 down in the third set and saving a match point to force a tiebreak. However, Fognini remained composed and eventually broke Ruud's serve in the fourth set to seal the victory.Fognini's success at Wimbledon is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite being an underdog, he has consistently performed well on the grass courts of the All England Club. In 2010, he reached the third round for the first time and came close to making the round of 16 in 2014.Fognini's victory over Ruud is a major upset and has sent shockwaves through the Wimbledon draw. He will now face either compatriot Lorenzo Sonego or former semifinalist Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round.Ruud, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have exited Wimbledon so early. The Norwegian was bidding to reach the third round for the first time in five attempts. He will now turn his attention to clay, where he is scheduled to play Bastad and Kitzbuhel in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.