Casper Ruud outlasts Taylor Fritz, secures clash with Djokovic in French Open quarters

Monday, 03 June 2024 at 22:43

Casper Ruud (No. 7) defeated Taylor Fritz (No. 12) 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the French Open. The 2-time French Open finalist secured a rematch of the 2023 final, where he fell to Novak Djokovic, who claimed his 23rd Grand Slam title at that time.

The first set started in Ruud's favor as he quickly secured a break. However, Fritz promptly broke back in a match that promised long rallies. With the score at 4-5, Fritz faced a couple of set points against his serve, but he came through and the set had to be decided in a tie-breaker.

After the American went up 4-0 and squandered a set point in his favor, Ruud ultimately recovered to take the set 7-6(6). Fritz appeared more aggressive throughout the set with 31 winners and 16 unforced errors, compared to Ruud's 22 winners and 11 unforced errors.

The second set began well for Fritz, who secured an early break to go up 3-0 and had greater ease for the rest of the set. The former Indian Wells champion held onto the lead and saved several break points against him throughout the set to level the match at 6-3.

The third set was crucial in the encounter, with both players taking more risks and approaching the brink of a break. Fritz was the first to secure a break, but Ruud responded with two consecutive breaks to go up 5-2. At that moment, the American took a medical timeout just before his service game, which could have given his opponent the third set, considering also that the American had just faced two consecutive breaks against him.

Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud after 2023 French Open final.

Turning things around, Fritz recovered the break against him and was down 4-5 with the serve in his favor. Unfortunately for the world No. 12, Ruud fought to secure the break and on his fourth opportunity, he ultimately took the set 6-4.

The 3-time Grand Slam finalist remained composed in the final part of the match, while Fritz appeared frustrated as he made constant unforced errors. The beginning remained evenly matched until 2-2, when Ruud's superiority became apparent as he won four consecutive games, claiming 16 of the last 20 points contested and sealing the victory 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

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Casper Ruud hits the SHOT OF THE TOURNAMENT at Roland Garros. Out of this world tweener passing shot. Crazy point that ended in an even crazier way. World-class wizardry. 🇳🇴🪄

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

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