MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Taylor Fritz exploits Ruud's decline, secures Quarter-Final spot

Taylor Fritz claimed a convincing victory over Casper Ruud with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open. The American improved as the match progressed, while Ruud showed signs of fatigue and physical difficulties, causing him to decline from the second set onwards.

Another exciting match for the fans, where neither player seemed to have a clear advantage. Ruud (No. 8) was almost relentless in the first set during his service points, winning 85% of them, compared to Fritz’s (No. 12) 64%.

Although both had defended their service games easily in the first part of the first set, a couple of unforced errors and a double fault from the American gave Ruud the break in the 8th game, which was enough for him to then close with his serve at 6-3.

Despite the advantage, Fritz had put up a good fight, although the 15 unforced errors cost him dearly. With no significant differences between the two, in the second set both wasted two break opportunities each during the first 8 games. With the score at 5-4 in favor of Fritz, Ruud felt the American’s pressure. The break came after a double fault, as Ruud gestured to his box about issues with his shoe and the sweat-wet floor while playing under the Arthur Ashe roof.

Fritz showed more confidence in the third set, while Ruud struggled with his serve, and a couple of uncharacteristic unforced errors allowed Fritz to break early, taking a 3-0 lead. Ruud’s body language indicated he was not feeling comfortable on the court. Although he had no issues with his serve, he couldn’t find solutions to Fritz’s effective serve, and Fritz ultimately took the set 6-3.

At the start of the 4th set, a comeback for Ruud seemed increasingly difficult, especially due to his body language and obvious discomfort on the court. True to his opponent’s style, Fritz worked a long point, moving Ruud all over the court and then coming to the net to finish a great point that gave him the break at the start of the fourth set. Things got worse for the Norwegian when he committed a double fault, giving Fritz a second break.

The American held his serve until the end and closed out the victory 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, with a total of 24 aces after two hours and 44 minutes. His next opponent will be the winner between Alexander Zverev and Brandon Nakashima.