Ruud Falls in Gstaad Quarterfinals to Cerundolo Despite Double Break Lead in Third Set

Casper Ruud made his return to competition at the ATP 250 tournament in Gstaad. After nearly two months out due to a left knee injury, the Norwegian rediscovered the taste of victory in the previous round against Dominic Stricker (7-5, 7-6) and hoped to continue his run this Friday.

Facing Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the quarterfinals, the world No. 13 took a set to find his rhythm. After 44 minutes, Ruud was against the ropes but responded strongly at the start of the second set.

The two-time Roland-Garros finalist then won nine of the next ten games, even building a solid lead in the decisive set. He led 3-0 with a double break in the third set before suffering a costly lapse that ultimately cost him the match.

Despite having the match firmly in his grasp, Ruud ended up surrendering the last six games in a rollercoaster encounter. With 29 winners in total, Juan Manuel Cerundolo triumphed after over two hours of play (6-2, 1-6, 6-3) and advanced to the semifinals.

He will face Peruvian player Ignacio Buse, who earlier defeated Roman Andrés Burruchaga. After victories against Struff and Goffin, the world No. 109 now adds Ruud—this year’s Madrid Masters 1000 champion—to his list of scalps.

It could be a great day for the Cerundolo family, as his older brother Francisco is also set to compete in the quarterfinals in Bastad against Damir Dzumhur later in the day.