Casper Ruud believes he is heading in the right direction to winning one of the sport’s prestigious titles after losing in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Ruud, who has been ranked as high as second in the world, missed out on claiming his maiden Masters 1000 title after suffering a straight sets loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. The defeat extends his hunt for a trophy at an event which is rated above the ATP 250 level. It is a frustrating situation for the Norwegian who is a three-time Grand Slam finalist.
Ruud has settled for runner-up at seven tournaments categorised as an ATP 500 or above. However, only in one of those matches has he won a set which was against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2022 US Open final.
“Today didn’t feel so close because I lost straight sets to Stef but he also played very well,” Ruud told reporters.
“I think I have taken a few steps this week, but today it just didn’t work out well.”
Whilst praising his opponent, the world No.10 admits he didn’t ‘find a good balance’ in his game against Tsitsipas. Failing to convert all eight of his break point opportunities. He also says playing in slightly warmer conditions compared to previous days presented a challenge to him.
Despite the latest disappointment, Ruud exits Monte Carlo with a confidence boost following his semi-final win over Novak Djokovic. Not only was it the first time he had beaten the 24-time major winner, it was the first time he had beaten a current world No.1. Becoming the first player from his country to do so. Before that triumph, he held a dismal 0-11 record against top three players on the Tour.
“I think I played well on the clay and also yesterday beating Djokovic was a fantastic win for me and something that I hope I can kind of take confidence from.” He said.
“Maybe not today but maybe next time I play a big match or hopefully next time if I’m in a big final again I will think about maybe the fact that I have beaten Novak before can be something that can give me confidence.”
Ruud has won 24 matches so far this season with Monte Carlo being his third tournament final of the year after Los Cabos and Alcapulco. He was also a semi-finalist in Estoril.
“I was able to play a final of a 1000. Wasn’t able to win, so I will continue to chase and try to improve my game always,” he stated.
“I have taken a few small steps I think in the right direction in the last six months tennis-wise, physically also, and I think we are doing something right, and hopefully can continue on this positive trend that I’m in.”
Up next for Ruud will be the Barcelona Open where he will be the second seed after Andrey Rublev. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the tournament due to an arm injury.
