Ruud takes Djokovic by storm to reach the Monte-Carlo final!
A lover of clay, Casper Ruud pulled off the impossible: toppling Novak Djokovic (6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in 2 hours 16 minutes). Hitherto cursed against the top 3 (not winning a set), the Norwegian finally managed to ward off fate.
After a very solid start to the match, he took full advantage of an inaccurate Novak Djokovic to win the first set (6-4). Things then got complicated. Much less physically present, Ruud let Djokovic back into the match. Reinvigorated, the Serb flew through a second set in which the world No. 10 appeared very absent (6-1). But the dynamic was about to change again.
Casper Ruud began the final act at a very high level, quickly distancing himself from the world number 1 (3-0). Nothing was over, however, as the unleashed Serb debreaked to level the score (4-4). Against all expectations, it was at this precise moment that the Norwegian found the mental resources to win the last two games of the match. And so, after more than 2 hours of battle, Casper Ruud was finally able to raise his arms in victory.
The drought continues for the world No. 1, who has yet to win a single title in 2024. Nole is off to one of the worst starts of his career and will need to step up his game if he is to retain his crown at Roland Garros.
As for Casper Ruud, he scored his most memorable career success to date, having never before beaten a current world No.1. The Norwegian confirms his incredible ease on the ochre surface. This ease will enable him to move up to world number 6 next Monday (+4 places in the ATP rankings).
On Sunday, he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, against whom he has been quite successful (2 wins to 1 loss).
Monte-Carlo 
