"He’s feeding that backhand back into the middle": Former world number one highlights one reason which concerns him about Casper Ruud ahead of Madrid Open final

Former world number one Andy Roddick has stated that he is concerned about Casper Ruud in the upcoming final of the Madrid Open. The two are set to face off in the grand finale of the ATP 1000 event in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

Draper cemented his spot in the final of the event after beating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinal in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6. It will be Draper’s second ATP final this season after winning the Indian Wells title, where he defeated Denmark’s Holger Rune in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2.

On the other hand, Draper cemented his spot in the last two of the competition after beating Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the semifinal in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-5. In the semifinal, Norway’s tennis star struggled with fitness concerns and crowd disturbance as well. It will be the first meeting between the two players in professional tennis. Former world number one Roddick has spoken to The Tennis Channel podcast, where he stated that he is concerned about the reigning world number 15 against an in-form Draper. Roddick was of the opinion that Ruud would have a hard time, especially with his backhand return, which will give Draper an opportunity to use his forehand where he is ‘untouchable’ right now.

“You are concerned any time someone is not feeling 100%,” said Roddick. “But I am more concerned by what Jack Draper is bringing to the table and if he is able to hit that swinging serve out to Casper’s [Ruud] backhand. Casper has to step back, he is not the kind of guy that takes returns early and he’s feeding that backhand back into the middle of the court to Draper’s forehand, which is borderline untouchable right now. So I am more worried about that than Casper with a day of rest.”