Casper Ruud has avenged his defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Monte Carlo Masters last week by beating the him in straight sets to win the Barcelona Open.
The world No.6 rallied to a 7-5, 6-2, win over Tsitsipas who was on a 10-match winning streak coming into Sunday’s final. It is the first time Ruud has won an ATP 500 event with all 10 of his previous triumphs occuring at 250 level. In contrast, Tsitsipas is still yet to win an ATP 500 trophy after losing all 11 finals he has played at this level. However, the Greek has won more prestigious titles (three Masters and the 2019 ATP finals) than his rival.
Ruud’s latest triumph saw him oust Tsitsipas with the use of some heavy hitting after overcoming a testing opening set. Overall, the Norweigan hit 19 winners against 15 unforced errors to become the first Scandinavian champion in Barcelona since Sweden’s Kent Carlsson in 1988.
“Just to give it to him a little bit more than last week. In the final in Monte Carlo, I was always on the back foot and he had too much time to control the game,” Ruud told TennisTV when asked about his game plan against Tsitsipas.
“I had a bit of a tricky start (in today’s final) but I managed to settle in. It’s been two long weeks for both of us. It’s obvious that fatigue was going to kick in and winning the first set was huge.”
In what was their fifth Tour-level meeting, a nervous Ruud was tentative early on as he dropped serve in the first game of the final. Despite the blip, he worked his way back to draw level midway through the opener before seizing his opportunity. Nudging ahead to a 6-5 lead, a blistering backhand winner down the line followed by a forehand winner in the next point rewarded Ruud with two sets points against the Tsitsipas serve. He converted his first opportunity with the help of a slice slot that forced an unforced error from his rival.
Closing in on the biggest win of his career, Ruud clinched his next break four games into the second set following an error-stricken performance from Tsitsipas. He then had an opportunity to get a double break but failed to convert on his chances. Nevertheless, Ruud still managed to seal victory convincingly. A Tsitsipas forehand shank rewarded him a trio of championship points. He triumphed on his first after another mistake from his opponent.
“A lot of finals I have lost has been tough and a bit of a disappointment. But anytime you reach a final is nonetheless a good week so you can’t be too hard on yourself,” the new champion reflected.
“This one has been a long time coming.”
The fact Ruud has claimed his biggest title yet in Barcelona is even sweeter given his history with the tournament.
“The Rafael Nadal court is special to me. I looked up to him all my childhood and came here (to Barcelona) as a 13-year-old boy to watch him and others play. It’s a great feeling.” He said.
Ruud has now won 29 matches this season which is more than any other player on the ATP Tour. Furthermore, he has become the fourth player in 2024 to have won an ATP trophy without dropping a set in the entire tournament.
