Ruud blasts Djokovic in Monaco
Casper Ruud finally defeated Novak Djokovic at the sixth attempt on Saturday, setting up a Monte Carlo Masters title showdown with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Norwegian eighth seed Ruud, who had been swept off court by the world No. 1 in a demoralizing French Open final loss last year, came through 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in his semifinal when Djokovic double-faulted after saving two match points.
An inspired Tsitsipas handed world No. 2 Jannik Sinner just his second loss of the season as the two-time champion Greek booked his place in Sunday’s final, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
“I’m super-happy, this is a day I will remember for a really long time,” said Ruud, who had never taken a set off Djokovic in their five previous meetings.
“I’ve never beaten Novak and I’ve never beaten a world No.1. I’m still in a little bit of shock.”
Ruud and Djokovic traded breaks in the final set, with the Norwegian getting the final word when Djokovic blinked first after just over two-and-a-quarter hours.
“I was up, and he came back, the top guys are good under pressure,” Ruud said. “I was just hoping the match would not slip away.
“In the last game, I was hoping something or someone up above was listening … I was so happy to see that last ball sail along.”
On Sunday’s final, Ruud added: “Stef will be tough in the final, but I will give it my all.”
Djokovic was competing in his first semifinal in Monte Carlo since he lifted his second title in 2015. He was hoping to reach a 59th Masters final. 먹튀검증
“Congratulations to Casper. He played really good, especially in the beginning of the first and third set,” said the 36-year-old top seed.
“Of course, I’m disappointed now, to lose a match like this … it was a close one.”