Casper Ruud ‘enjoying the moment’ after rolling past Andrey Rublev into ATP Finals last four

Casper Ruud claimed the last semi-final spot at the ATP Finals by completing an impressive comeback against the world number five.

The two men played a straight shootout in their final group match, the winner progressing to the last four behind Novak Djokovic.

Andrey Rublev started the brighter of the two, securing a double break to take the opener 6-2.

The Russian was once again up a break early in the second, but immediately surrendered it back to Ruud for 2-2.

The Norwegian broke again at 5-6 to level the match. Another trade of breaks at 2-2 and 2-3 was followed by service holds before a tiebreak was required to decide the battle.

Ruud was the tougher there, winning 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) after nearly two and a half hours on court.

The 22-year-old will face defending champion and world number two Daniil Medvedev for a place in the final.

“I’m just enjoying the moment,” Ruud expressed in his on-court interview. “I’m looking forward to [playing Medvedev] tomorrow already. It’s going to be another tough battle.

“A different kind of player than today. But, one of the best in the world for the past two or three years. He’s proven himself at the top of the world [rankings].

“I’ve played him a couple times. lost both times. But I know a bit what I’m going to face and it’s going to be a fun challenge for me.”

In addition, the victory brings Ruud up to 55 wins in 2021. That puts him equal with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Only Medvedev and Alexander Zverev have more, with 57 match wins each this season.

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