Kasper Ruud toppled supreme power Djokovic after the beginning of the nightmare – VG

(Novak Djokovic-Kasper Ruud 6-4, 6-3) World number one Novak Djokovic (34) advanced 4-0 before Casper Ruud (23) won his first match.

The Norwegian fought well in the semi-final match of the ATP Masters in Rome, but failed to prevent Djokovic from achieving his 1,000th career ATP victory.

In Rudd’s first two matches, both were broken and the first set was nearly finished before it even started. The Norwegian went up several notches in the group, but that was too little and it was too late.

Djokovic took a 4-0 lead in the first set. Despite the strong breach of Djokovic’s fourth serve match, the Serb eventually won control with his serve 6-4 in the first set.

– It was great to go 4-0, so I lowered myself a bit and used it to come back in the first set. Djokovic told the organizer: “I’ve always felt that I had chances to serve him in other sets.

The second set was smoother and both held their first three matches, before Ruud came under massive pressure.

He defended himself with both 1st, 2nd and 3rd balls in his fourth serve match, but was eventually attacked by the world number one – who thus gained an advantage midway through the second set.

He held it all the way and won after two sets.

The win is Djokovic’s 1,000th career career record – a very small feat against the Norwegian.

I saw Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) celebrating this achievement, so I wanted to get there myself. Djokovic says I feel lucky and privileged because I now have 1,000 people.

He will face Serbian Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday.

As in 2020, Ruud was able to reach world number one Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Masters Tournament in Rome.

Notwithstanding: Qualifying for the semi-finals is a clear improvement to Rudd’s results on the gravel so far this season (see fact box).

Just in time for the Grand Slam Roland Garros (French Open), which begins in Paris on May 22.

note! Before Roland Garros, it’s the ATP 250 Championships in Geneva, which Appears on VG + Sport From Tuesday 17 May. Rudd’s team indicated that he will be with Casper – the current champion.