Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas can be squaring off for the fifth time of their careers (fourth time on the ATP degree) once they collide within the closing of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Sunday.
When this week began (and particularly after Carlos Alcaraz pulled out because of damage), a closing between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner–the highest two gamers on this planet–appeared virtually inevitable. That likelihood solely grew stronger heading into the semis, when Djokovic confronted Ruud and Sinner went up towards Tsitsipas. As an alternative, each outcomes turned out to be surprises.
Ruud’s 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 defeat of Djokovic marked his maiden win over a No. 1 participant on this planet and likewise his first over Djokovic, having beforehand been 0-5. The world No. 10’s first journey to the title match of this event has additionally included victories over Alejandro Tabilo, Hubert Hurkacz, and Ugo Humbert.
Regardless that Tsitsipas is already a two-time Monte-Carlo champion (2021 and 2022), his third look within the closing is most positively sudden because it has come mainly out of nowhere. He’s down at No. 12 within the rankings and actually didn’t have something greater than a semifinal exhibiting in Los Cabos to talk of this yr previous to arriving in Monte-Carlo. Earlier than upsetting Sinner, Tsitsipas beat Laslo Djere, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Alexander Zverev, and Karen Khachanov.
The Greek’s Los Cabos run got here to an finish by the hands of none apart from Ruud, who beat him 6-4, 7-6(4). That gave the Norwegian a 2-1 lead within the head-to-head collection on the ATP degree after they cut up a pair of 2021 encounters (Ruud received the job finished 7-6(4), 6-4 in Madrid earlier than Tsitsipas prevailed 6-1, 6-4 in Toronto).
This ought to be a enjoyable one between two gamers who’ve been excellent the entire week and have at all times been stellar on clay. Primarily based on his 1-0 clay-court report towards Tsitsipas and his general physique of labor in 2024 that’s far superior to that of his opponent, an edge goes to Ruud.
Decide: Ruud in 3Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
