Casper Ruud beats Matteo Berrettini for the US Open semi-final

Casper Ruud is through to the US Open semi-final after he played a superb match to take down former US Open semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini 6-1 6-4 7-6(4).

This was a very interesting match because it largely felt as two matches in one. The first set was Ruud dominating his way easily against a very shaky Berrettini who had only 5 winners and 12 unforced errors. The errors are not the problem for Matteo generally but he can't allow himself to serve poorly and not hit his forehand.

The 2nd set featured a pretty similar script as Ruud was still super solid while Berrettini struggled to find a very good rhythm. The first set points came when he was up 5-1 with a chance to close out the set 6-1 just like the first. A lapse in focus allowed Matteo to pull the break and find some confidence, but Ruud still won it 6-4.

The final set was one where Berrettini finally arrived in proper fashion playing much better and taking an early lead. He was able to hold rather comfortable and had two sets point at 5-2 to close it out but failed to do so.

He'll remmeber those chances a long time because Ruud broke back in the next game which completely shook Matteo. The Italian was able to drag himself to the tiebreak but Ruud was now fully in control as he cruised to a 7-4 finish.