Casper Ruud’s run of early exits from Wimbledon has continued after the sixth seed was dumped out of the tournament by Fabio Fognini.
Ruud, who is a three-time Grand Slam finalist, was unable to stop the Italian veteran in his tracks as he fell 6-4, 7-6, 6-7(1),6-3, in the second round. The Norweigan dropped serve five times and hit 47 unforced errors to continue his disappointing run at The All England Club where he is yet to win back-to-back matches. His record at the major now stands at three second round exits and two first round.
“It was a tough one. Honestly I’m not sitting here super disappointed,” said Ruud.
“Of course, I’m disappointed that I lost, but I guess I kind of know my abilities on this surface and trying to be realistic.”
Coming into this year’s event, Ruud has had far from ideal preparation due to illness. A parasite infection, that was likely caused by contaminated water, left him bed-bound for over a week following the French Open where he reached the semi-finals.
“I just find it very difficult. I find it fun as a challenge,” he commented about playing on the grass.
“I haven’t given up on it yet, but it is really difficult for me. The movement and kind of feeling confident out there.
“I’m going to keep coming back (to Wimbledon) hopefully every year and try to improve and do better. I did my best, but it wasn’t good enough. Simple as that.”
On a more positive note, 2024 has been largely a strong season overall. As of today, he has won 39 Tour-level matches since the start of January which is more than anybody else on the ATP Tour. He has won titles in Barcelona and Geneva.
Ruud’s focus will now switch back to the clay which is a surface where he has won 11 out of his 12 ATP titles on. He will be participating in the Paris Olympics where he could become the first tennis player from his country to win a medal in the Open Era.
