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Casper Ruud French Open Monte Carlo
ATP Tennis Players, Roland Garros, Tennis News

Casper Ruud issues French Open statement of intent with title in Geneva


Casper Ruud defeated Denis Shapovalov in the Geneva Open final to continue his stunning form on clay in 2021 heading into the French Open.

Casper Ruud has laid out his clay court credentials ahead of the French Open by winning his first title of 2021 on the clay of Geneva. Ruud overcame Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in just over an hour and 40 minutes.

“It’s tough to find all the words,” Ruud said on securing the title. “It was such an amazing week here in Geneva. I was always looking forward to coming to this tournament.

“I watched it on TV for many years when I was younger and it always seemed like a nice place so  I guess I know why I wanted to come here because it’s been going well and this week has been unbelievable for me.”

The title is the second of the 22-year-old’s career, the first also coming on clay, in Buenos Aires in 2020.

Casper Ruud did not face a single break point in the match, needing just the one break conversion himself to defeat his Canadian opponent.

 

 

Looking on to the French Open, Ruud had this to say:

“Well, it’s the toughest clay court tournament of the year, Roland Garros, the Grand Slam on clay.

“This season I am playing well on the clay and I’m looking forward to Paris. I hope I can make the second week, that’s all I can say.

“If I’m in the second week I will be very happy of course.”

The young Norwegian now has a 20-6 win-loss record in 2021, including a 15-4 record on clay. He had his joint best Roland Garros performance at last year’s event, making the third round before falling to Dominic Thiem.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


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