After defeating Zhang Zhizhen in four sets the 2022 runner-up admits: “It was easier when I could just work in the shadow”.
Casper Ruud’s third round match bore quite a resemblance with his season: a hesitant start, then picking up speed.
Indeed it was Zhang who dashed out from the blocks to grab an early break, immediately playing aggressive and dictating the rallies with his forehand, whereas Ruud was struggling to find length and allowing Zhang to step into the court.
Gradually Ruud started to shift the game towards Zhang’s backhand and earned his first break point in the sixth game, but Zhang hit three winners to maintain his lead.
Ruud eventually broke back in the seventh game but dropped his serve immediately after.
Serving at 5-4, Zhang tightened up. He missed three forehands and conceded two breakpoints. However, thanks to a string of efficient first serves, around 210 Kph, he succeeded in putting away the set.
The match could have taken an even nastier turn for Ruud when Zhang had three break points in the third game of the second set but the Norwegian saved them with some sound serving and winning forehands. He went on to break in the following game but was not able to consolidate his lead and was immediately broken back, as in the first set.
The balance was unbroken until the 10th game, when suddenly Ruud succeeded in putting pressure on Zhang’s service, snatching break and set.
I was a little frustrated at the beginning. I didn’t start as well as I hoped. He was playing many winners and I didn’t really find any hole in his game. Luckily at five four in the second set he played some sloppy shots and I got the break. It gave me some confidence and I got playing better and better.
Indeed that was the turning point, for in the third set Zhang was unable to maintain his previous level and lost five straight games from 1-1.
Ruud broke in the fifth game of the fourth set and then played solidly enough to close the match without further lapses.
Delighted with his victory, he feels that he’s on the way back to his best: The level is getting better. There are things I can still improve and I can make less errors than I have done in some moments in my matches.
In the post-match press conference he admits feeling the pressure of being 2022 runner-up:
I’m very happy with being through the first three matches. This year it’s been much more pressure. Last year I could just do my work in the shadow. In the second week I’m going to try to let a little bit more loose
In the round of 16 he will face Nicolas Jarry, to whom he lost in Geneva.
It was close and tough in Geneva. Felt like it could have gone either way. It went his way. He’s playing great. I’m going to prepare for a very tough match.
