Not Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner - Cameron Norrie picks Casper Ruud as favourite for French Open win
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Published 30/04/2024 at 21:07 GMT
Casper Ruud has been one of the standout players of the season on the ATP Tour, winning more matches than anyone else. British No. 1 Cameron Norrie was impressed enough with Ruud after losing to him in Madrid that he backed him to challenge at the French Open. World No. 6 Ruud has lost in the final at Roland-Garros the last two years in a row.
Highlights: Alcaraz avoids Struff upset to progress in Madrid thriller
Cameron Norrie has tipped Casper Ruud as a favourite for French Open glory this summer.
Ruud has enjoyed a tremendous start to the clay season, reaching the final of the Monte Carlo Masters and then winning the Barcelona Open.
His total of 31 match wins this year is more than any other player on the ATP or WTA tours.
He notched his latest victory in straight sets against Norrie at the Madrid Open, and the British No. 1 reckons Ruud is showing form that could see him contend at Roland-Garros, where he has been runner-up the last two years.
“He always does well here in Madrid and he hit his backhand unbelievably well today, I was really impressed,” Norrie told Express Sport.
“I came in there a lot, he passed me a few times and I’m not sure he missed too many backhands today, maybe one in the first game and that’s all I can remember so it was an impressive level from him. And I would say he’s the favourite for the tournament and probably favourite for the French Open as well.”
Ruud had a career-best year in 2022 when he made two Grand Slam finals and was a win away from reaching world No. 1.
He dipped last year but has bounced back impressively this season, even surprising Norrie with how good he has been.
“It was a really good level from Casper, I was impressed with how well he’s he played,” said Norrie.
“Obviously really confident, playing really, really well in Monte Carlo and Barcelona so I was a bit surprised with that and how well he came out. And I took it to him in the second set I was a little bit disappointed with the final game but good lesson.”
Norrie had won his previous meeting against Ruud at the Australian Open at the start of the season.
However, two-time French Open runner-up Ruud was able to return the favour on his favourite surface as he advanced to the last 16.
“I was really prepared for a tough match and it always is, but obviously in Australia I lost so I wanted my revenge as well and kind of happy we’re playing on clay,” said Ruud.
“I’m feeling confident on the surface at the moment and I was playing some good clay-court tennis out there.
“His backhand is very unique, very flat and low, but on the clay it’s maybe not as effective as on hard court where it kind of skids off the ground a little more so I have a little extra time to set up my shots so that kind of was in my favour on this surface.”
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