ATP Montecarlo: Ruud compie un’impresa, vola in finale e sconfigge Djokovic con grande cuore in un emozionante match da batticuore.

In the previous encounters, the last one in Paris, were ruthless, with a crushing dominance of Nole Djokovic who had never left even the crumbs of a set to Casper Ruud. But in the Principality, in the second semifinal of the 2024 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, the tune changes. In no time the Norwegian takes the coveted first set. Then he crumbles because Nole, who has triumphed twice on that red clay (the last time in 2015), takes the stage. Casper seems like a ghost of himself. But in the third set, he reappears even more vibrant and bright than before, unleashing winners (many applause-worthy down-the-line shots) after winners and takes over the game. At least it seems so. Because Djokovic suddenly rises and recovers the lead. With angled shots but above all with sacrifices and strenuous defenses, with heart, the Norwegian stops Nole’s comeback. The feat is accomplished. For the first time Casper beats Novak Djokovic, for the first time he prevails over a world number 1. He will be the one to challenge Stefanos Tsitsipas, winner against our Jannik Sinner, in tomorrow’s final. The ranking also smiles at him: he rises to number 6 in the ranking, displacing Andrey Rublev.

But let’s rewind the tape.

First set: Ruud cunning, leads from the start. Nole sparks late

It all begins. Novak Djokovic starts the game with the serve. But Casper Ruud, ranked number 10, immediately earns the first break point by turning it into a hammering forehand after recovering from 30-15. The world number 1, 36 years old, seeks depth to avoid being overwhelmed by the 1998-born Norwegian. When needed, he even includes delicate drop shots in his game although his net play is not always flawless: he misses a really tempting smash with Ruud serving. And Casper, despite some lightness, defends the break thanks to his first serves; a guarantee at 80%. In the fourth game, another break point for Ruud: Djokovic sweeps it away with an aggressive serve and volley. But then, the Serbian makes a forehand error, the fifth of the game: another chance for Casper. Exploited with the kind contribution of Nole, who repeats the mistake. The Norwegian leads 4-1 this way. But Djokovic doesn’t give up, he attacks with his returns, his always lethal shot and distinctive trait. Closing the gap to one break. The game continues linearly until 5-4. Ruud is serving. The tension is palpable. The Norwegian has a taboo to break: he has lost all 11 sets played against Djokovic. But he doesn’t falter, plays with a front drive and takes the first act 6-4. A fast set, punctuated by short exchanges.

Second set: Djokovic returns, overpowering. Ruud scattered, goes into tilt

The sun begins to set and the air changes in Monte Carlo. There’s a different Nole on the court, revitalized and determined. More precise and deep in the second game, the Serbian sinks his claws into Ruud’s game. 2-0. His gaze has changed, concentration seeps through. Even the precise drop shots are not missing. In a flash, it’s 3-0 for Djokovic. Although Nole seems not entirely satisfied. Ruud is still there: he unleashes a smash from the baseline of extreme difficulty. Displaying impeccable physical fitness, he shows that he can reach Djokovic’s drop shots. But the Serbian is relentless. Only thanks to a fruitful out serve, the Norwegian saves himself from another break that could have been a sentence. 4-1. Djokovic is now soaring towards the set: he doesn’t let a shot slip away and continues with the short ball exchanges that become increasingly forceful punches for Ruud. Casper is now in tilt: three double faults, a reckless shot that shouldn’t be shown in tennis schools, and it’s 5-1 for Nole who doesn’t ask twice. The set is his.

Third set: Casper, found, starts strong. Nole catches up, then concedes

We return to the court and there’s another spin. Ruud seems revitalized. He starts pushing again and from 30-0 down he snatches the game from Nole, bringing it to 2-0. The Norwegian proceeds on the wave of this conviction and fighting spirit. Casper seeks the corners, hitting applause-worthy down-the-line winners. In the blink of an eye, it’s 4-2. Nole is written off. But he defies everyone. Leaving Ruud at zero, he snatches the game from him with class, making the break. The distances are now very close, Casper is still ahead but only 4-3. With an ace, Nole asserts his dominance. He adds a serve and volley and completes the tie. 4-all. Casper doesn’t lose his composure. The down-the-line shots help him once again. But above all, what saves him from Nole’s resurgence is his great character and strenuous defense. The score reads 5-4. Then on Nole’s game, the Norwegian earns three match points. On the third attempt, it’s Nole who gifts him the victory with a double fault. “I’m still in shock,” says Casper who can’t believe the victory he has achieved. The Norwegian will go after his first 1000 title against Tsitsipas tomorrow: “It will be tough but we’ll see how it goes,” Casper is elegant and composed but sure inside, eager not to let this opportunity slip away.