Casper Ruud Breaks Djokovic Jinx in Monte Carlo 2024, Advances to Tsitsipas Final Showdown
Casper Ruud made history in Monte Carlo by defeating Novak Djokovic for the first time in their sixth encounter, securing a spot in the Monte Carlo Masters final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
When Novak Djokovic double-failed in his semi-final match after saving two match points, Casper Ruud prevailed 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
In his semi-final, Djokovic double-faulted after saving two match points, allowing Norwegian eighth seed Ruud, who had been washed off the court by the world number one in a demoralizing French Open final loss the previous year, to win 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
With a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory, an inspired Tsitsipas handed world number two Jannik Sinner just his second defeat of the year, guaranteeing the two-time champion Greek’s spot in Sunday’s championship match.
In their five prior matches, Ruud had never taken a set off Djokovic. “I’m super-happy, this is a day I will remember for a really long time,” Ruud declared.
“I’ve never defeated a world champion, nor have I defeated Novak. I am still a little taken aback.”
In the fourth set, Ruud and Djokovic traded breaks; after little over two and a quarter hours, the Norwegian had the last say when Djokovic blinked first.
“I was up and he came back, the top guys are good under pressure,” Ruud stated. “I was just hoping the match would not slip away.”I was praying that someone or something above was listening throughout the final game. I was overjoyed to watch that final ball glide by.”
In addition, Ruud said of Sunday’s championship match, “Stef will be tough in the final but I will give it my all.”
This was Djokovic’s first Monte Carlo semifinal since winning his second championship in 2015. His goal was to make it to the 59th Masters final.
“I want to congratulate Casper. The 36-year-old top seed stated, “He played really good, especially in the first and third set.”
“Of course I’m disappointed now, to lose a match like this… it was a close one.”
Sinner, the winner of the Australian Open, who has previously won titles in Rotterdam and Miami this season, lost all nine of his matches after Tsitsipas’s victory.
“Today was a great day, I’m hoping for a good recovery and a fresh mind,” Tsitsipas said. “I hope to come out extra strong tomorrow.”
Sinner took a break of serve to start the fourth set, which saw him treated twice for an injury to his right knee.
However, he lost it in the eighth set, allowing Tsitsipas to even the score at four with four break points saved.
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After that, the Greek concluded by playing “tennis at the highest level that I’ve been able to play recently”.
Tsitsipas, who is ranked 12th, claimed the championship in 2021 and 2022 at Monte Carlo and said he is getting back to his best after dropping out of the top 10.
“It will help my confidence to have a win like this,” he stated. “I’m aiming for the top level again.”
In the third game, Tsitsipas broke to take the first set, but the Italian battled back to tie the match in the second.
In a 13-minute marathon final set, Sinner battled to preserve five break points before breaking his way to a 3-0 lead. He then squared the match on his second set point.
Sinner claimed that he tensed up and became distracted due to a subpar third-set line call.
Tsitsipas held service for 2-3 of the point, but the call was not made for a double fault, which would have given the Italian a double break.
Sinner requested the trainer after two more games.
Regarding the call, the Italian second seed remarked, “It’s hard to accept it.” “I was playing really well at that time.”
“Errors can happen to everyone. I got cramps thereafter, probably as a result of what had transpired, as it also affects your nerves.
