☝️ match to go Novak Djokovic defeats Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 and advances to the final in Rome for a 10th time! @DjokerNole | #IBI20
2024 Monte-Carlo Masters Semi-Final MATCH PREVIEW as determined Casper RUUD challenges dominant Novak DJOKOVIC
ATPFriday, 12 April 2024 at 22:30
Casper Ruud will challenge Novak Djokovic for a spot in the Monte-Carlo Masters
final. The Norwegian comes in after a solid victory over Ugo Humbert by 6-3,
4-6, 6-1 and a good campaign in the tournament, however, he will face his
toughest challenge of the week this time against the world No. 1, who comes off
eliminating Alex de Minaur by 7-5, 6-4 in a tough match lasting over 2 hours.
Djokovic
returns to the semifinals for the first time since 2015, the year he clinched
the title for the second time in his career. Before Monte-Carlo, there were
doubts about Nole's form after his semifinal exit at the Australian Open and
just his second match at Indian Wells. After this, Nole withdrew from the Miami
Open and split with his 5-year coach Goran Ivanisevic.
However,
his arrival on clay has been better than in recent years by quickly showcasing
a high level in Monte-Carlo. In his debut, he defeated Roman Safiulin (6-1,
6-2) and then Lorenzo Musetti (7-5, 6-3), avenging his elimination by the
Italian in the same round the previous year. He ultimately overcame De Minaur
to secure his place in the semifinals.
Djokovic grabs the title in the 2022 ATP Finals against Ruud
Ruud's
journey began by easily defeating Chilean Alejandro Tabilo by 6-2, 6-4, and
then halting a streak of seven consecutive wins on clay by Hubert Hurkacz with
a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 victory. This time, the Norwegian defeated Ugo Humbert
in three sets, being superior for much of the match.
The
Norwegian is in his 8th Masters 1000 semifinal, the second time in Monte Carlo
(2021 the first time). Ruud also reached 50 victories in tournaments of this
category and currently sits as world No. 7 in the live rankings, with
possibilities of advancing further if he reaches the final.
However, so
far Ruud has not been able to overcome Djokovic in a match, with a favorable
head-to-head record of 5-0 to the Serbian. Three of those matches were on clay:
the semifinals of the Rome Open in 2020 and 2022, in addition to the final of
the 2023 French Open, all victories for Djokovic.
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