Clinical Casper RUUD sets up potential Tsitsipas rematch, into Barcelona Open final

ATP
Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 16:01
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Another week, another Casper Ruud v Stefanos Tsitsipas showdown on clay? It could well be as the former completed his part on Saturday afternoon. The Norwegian who took over Jannik Sinner for tour wins this season is known for his mastery on clay albeit mainly at ATP 250 level.
He will get the chance for another big title at the Barcelona Open which he takes on either Tsitsipas or Dusan Lajovic who will face off shortly in the second semi-final at the tournament also known as Conde de Godo. It was a tight affair against the Argentinian who also shows prowess on the surface.
Completed in just under two hours, it was a 22nd career final reached for Ruud who now has 28 wins in 2024. it is a fourth final of the year albeit he has lost all three prior despite leading the tour for wins.
Both broke in the opening set as it went to a tie-break. Ruud went 4-2 up with a comfortable break. But he went 40-15 up on his serve and handed Etcheverry a break back. Etcheverry though had break points again at 5-5 and couldn't take them and the same can be said for set points for Ruud at 6-5 up so it went all the way and Ruud went 5-3 up but Etcheverry went in front and himself missed a set point before Ruud sealed it.
The second was the story of two breaks to open for both before Ruud capitalised on the vital one with a break to love at 3-2 and he was barely troubled on his serve from there as he sealed the win on his second match point as he took the vital moments in the clash despite the opening set struggles at times. Can he finally seal a big final though? All will be decided tomorrow.

Casper Ruud beats Tomas Etcheverry 7-6(6), 6-4 to reach another big final in Barcelona. 28 wins in 2024. 22th career final (10-11) 4th final of the year (0-3) Looking for biggest career title vs. Tsitsipas (again?) or Lajovic

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