Casper Ruud has taken to social media to reflect on his run to the Italian Open final.
Ruud fell to his lowest ranking in five years after the Madrid Open, but has been able to rise back into the top 20 after reaching the final in Rome for the first time.
The Norwegian was unable to get his hands on the title, with Ruud losing to Sinner 6-4, 6-4 to finish as runner-up in the Italian capital.
Ruud was full of praise for Sinner in the on-court ceremony after the match and he has continued this in a post on Instagram.
Casper Ruud posts his first message on social media since Italian Open final defeat
Ruud was part of a historic moment at the Italian Open, as Sinner completed the Golden Masters at just 24 years old.
Sinner has received congratulations from Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on social media, and now Ruud has joined this in his own Instagram post.
“A couple of special weeks in Rome,” wrote Ruud. “Amazing people, an atmosphere hard to leave behind, and memories from enjoying every moment along the way. Thanks for having me, Rome.
“Huge congrats to you, @janniksin, and congrats on completing the Golden Masters.”
Ruud is still yet to win a set against Sinner, having lost his fifth consecutive straight sets match against the Italian.
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Sinner will now look ahead to Roland Garros, but Ruud is still entered into another tournament ahead of the clay court major.
Ruud has been encouraged to withdraw from the Geneva Open, but he still remains in the draw.
The Norwegian is scheduled to play against Jenson Brooksby in the first round, with Taylor Fritz, who is coming back from a knee injury, a potential quarterfinal opponent for Ruud.
Ruud is a record three-time champion at the Geneva Open and will be looking to win his fourth title in six years at the ATP 250 tournament.
The world number 17 will then switch his attention to Roland Garros, where the main draw gets underway on Sunday, May 24.
