Ruud awakening for Djokovic, faces Tsitsipas
CASPER Ruud, the eighth seed from Norway, stunned top seed Novak Djokovic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in a thrilling Monte Carlo Masters semi-final yesterday, avenging his loss in last year’s French Open final to set up a title clash with twice champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.
An inspired Tsitsipas, seeded 12th, handed Italian second seed Jannik Sinner his second loss of the season yesterday as the Greek reached the final with a pulsating 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win.
The Greek’s victory ended the nine-match winning streak of the Australian Open champion, who also has title wins in Rotterdam and Miami to his name this season.
“Today (yesterday) was a great day. I’m hoping for a good recovery and a fresh mind,” said Tsitsipas. “I hope to come out extra strong tomorrow (today).”
World No 2 Sinner began the final set, during which his right knee was twice treated by the trainer, with a break of serve.
But he lost it in the eighth game after saving four break points, which allowed Tsitsipas to level at 4-4.
The Greek then finished it off by playing what he called “tennis at the highest level that I’ve been able to play recently”. Tsitsipas, ranked 12th, won the title in 2021 and 2022 and declared that he is returning to top form after falling out of the top 10.
“It will help my confidence to have a win like this,” he said. “I’m aiming for the top level again.”
Tsitsipas secured the opening set with a break in the third game, but the Italian put up a fight to level in the second. Sinner broke on the way to a 3-0 lead and fought to save five break points in a 13-minute marathon final game before squaring the match on his second set point.
“Jannik has been very consistent. He’s the toughest I’ve faced this season,” said Tsitsipas. “I had to overcome obstacles and find a way to win.“i’m extremely proud of that. Jannik gave me a difficult game. But the way I managed the situation was pure excellence.”
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal will make his return to ATP competition for the first time since January when he plays Flavio Cobolli in the Barcelona Open next week.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has played just once, in an exhibition match, since he felt a hip injury flare up during his quarter-final defeat by Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane Open.
Nadal, who turns 38 in June, will be looking for a problem-free return as he builds towards seeking a record-extending 15th French Open title – it runs from May 20 to June 9.
The tournament has also been boosted by the return of Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, the world No 3, who withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters due to a right arm injury.
Unlike Nadal, who has a wild card invite, the two-time defending Barcelona champion gets a first-round bye due to being seeded. |