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Casper Ruud Indian Wells ATP 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

Casper Ruud makes history with quarter-final run in Paris


Casper Ruud is into a fifth Masters 1000 quarter-final of the season, and in doing so makes history for himself and his nation.

The world number eight took on Marcos Giron of the USA in the third round of the Paris Masters.

Giron had previously ousted Frances Tiafoe and Diego Schwartzman, so looked a tough adversary.

But the encounter seemed anything but, as Ruud romped past the American 6-2, 6-1 in double-quick time to reach the last eight in the French capital.

The Norwegian had already made history by becoming the first man from his country into the ATP top 10.

Now, as a result of this victory, he reaches another historic milestone as the first Norwegian to qualify for the ATP Finals.

“It’s been an unbelievable year that will have the perfect end to the season,” Ruud said following the victory.

“It’s been a stressful couple of weeks and months, because it’s been such a tight Race [To Turin]. It’s been fun at the same time [and] so exciting to watch as a tennis fan.”

Entering Paris, Ruud was fighting alongside Hubert Hurkacz, Jannik Sinner and Cameron Norrie to clinch a spot at the elite season-ending event.

Now, with Norrie and Sinner falling in the third round, Ruud took advantage and cemented his place in Turin.

Only one spot now remains, with Hurkacz looking the most likely to claim it. Should the Pole win his quarter-final match against Australian James Duckworth, he would also claim his place in Turin.

Sinner and Norrie are still mathematically in contention, but must rely on Hurkacz losing to Duckworth and in the first round of Stockholm next week.


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