Casper Ruud in the semi-final of the 2022 US Open
Casper Ruud in the semi-final of the 2022 US Open | (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Monte-Carlo 2024 | Casper Ruud takes on former champion Tsitsipas after Djokovic and Sinner bow out

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Casper Ruud [8] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12]
  • H2H: Ruud leads 2-1
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Casper Ruud takes on former champion Stefanos Tsitsipas for the Monte-Carlo title after Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s shock semi-final eliminations.

 

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Casper Ruud [8] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Casper Ruud is into his second Masters 1000 final of his career after a stunning win over Novak Djokovic ensured that Ruud would end his five match losing streak against the world number one. Now Ruud aims to win his first title above ATP 250 level as he enters his first Monte-Carlo final. Standing in Ruud’s way is former champion Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek launched a third set comeback to prevent Jannik Sinner from reaching another final.

Casper Ruud [8] v Stefanos Tsitsipas [12]   H2H: Ruud leads 2-1    
ATP Monte-Carlo 2024 Monte-Carlo, Monaco   
Clay (O) Prize Money: €501,880/€919,075
Second on Court Rainier III (Not before 14:00) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Both players have beaten the best players in the world in order to reach the final although Tsitsipas’ route has been slightly more tricky.

Casper Ruud [8] route to the final

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R1: BYE

R2: Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 6-4

R3: Hubert Hurkacz [10] 6-4 6-2

QF: Ugo Humbert [14] 6-3 4-6 6-1

SF: Novak Djokovic [1] 6-4 1-6 6-4

Stefanos Tsitsipas [12] route to the final

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R1: Laslo Djere 6-3 3-2 RET

R2: Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-1 6-0

R3: Alexander Zverev [5] 7-5 7-6(3)

QF: Karen Khachanov [15] 6-4 6-2

SF: Jannik Sinner [2] 6-4 3-6 6-4

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)

H2H: Casper Ruud (WR 10)    Stefanos Tsitsipas (WR 12)
Tournament Previous Best Semi-Final (2021)   Champion (2021, 2022)      
1st Serve % 65.2 56.9
Service Games Won % 89.5 85.5
Break Points Saved % 72.2 73.2
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 49.5 49.3
Break Points Converted % 38.5 45.6

Ruud has been the more proactive and effective on serve while Tsitsipas has been the more efficient on return heading into this high-stakes final.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

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A career best win for Ruud as he defeated Djokovic for the first time in his career, reaching a first Monte-Carlo final.

Now Ruud will aim to win a first Masters 1000 title as he continues his great form this season.

Speaking after his win over Djokovic, Ruud admitted he was in a ‘state of shock’ after his win and is looking forward to a second Masters 1000 final.

“I am super happy,” Ruud told the ATP website.

“This is a day I will remember for a long time. Beating a World No. 1 is something I have never done and beating Novak is something I have never done. I am very, very happy. I am a little bit in a state of shock right now.

“There is always one more match in tennis. Tomorrow is going to be a special day, playing a final here in Monte-Carlo. It is a great result but I have been chasing a big title for a few years now and tomorrow I will have another shot at it.

“I am going to give it my all. Stef is playing well. He is a great player on clay and on other surfaces as well, but I guess clay is maybe where he has had the most success and especially this tournament. So it is going to be another tough task, but I am up for it.”

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Standing in Ruud’s way is former champion Tsitsipas who mounted a third set comeback to prevent Sinner from reaching another final this season.

Now Tsitsipas will look to end a season-defining week by claiming his third Monte-Carlo title and sending a huge statement of intent.

After his semi-final win, Tsitsipas praised Sinner and was pleased with his performance ahead of an important final.

“It was tennis at its highest level that I have been able to play,” Tsitsipas told the ATP website.

“Jannik was an extremely difficult opponent and it can be seen throughout the year so far. He has been very consistent and I could see that throughout today with his game.

“He is one of the toughest opponents I have faced so far and to find ways when there weren’t that many, I am proud of that. He gave me a very difficult game and [the] way I overcame it is true excellence.”

Ruud will aim to maintain his consistency from the baseline, using the backhand to create erratic errors from Tsitsipas.

Meanwhile Tsitsipas will use angles and spin to catch the Norwegian off-guard as the former champion will look to attack the net.

This should be a match between two confident clay court players who will aim to outmanoeuvre each other.

In the end Ruud’s depth, physicality and consistency will be enough to lift a maiden Masters 1000 title.

Prediction: Ruud in three sets.

 

 

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