– Usually, it takes more to become a world champion: to have won slightly bigger tournaments and been ahead in the course of a Grand Slam. But that’s not the fault of Rod or Alcaraz, Jonas Björkman tells NRK.
The Swedish tennis legend and former world number four has allowed himself to admire Casper Ruud this season. On Friday, Björkman and the entire tennis world will be glued to the screen when the 22-year-old plays the US Open final against Russia’s Karen. Khachanov.
A glimpse of the Swedish: Jonas Bjorkmann was fourth in the standings in 1997 and was twice named the best doubles player in the world.
Photo: TOBIAS RÖSTLUND / NTB
However, it is not so “Just” Final ticket and potentially 26 million NOK in total for NOK:
Casper Ruud can also rise to the top of the ranking – and stay He. She The best tennis player in the world.
The decisions that have been made
Verdsenaar Duel He is now most likely between Ruud and Spanish super talent Carlos Alcaraz. If Rudd wins the prestigious tournament, he will in any case climb to the top of the world rankings.
Rudd could also become the world champion if he wins his match at the same time as Alcaraz advances to the second semi-final.
Jonas Björkman, who peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, believes Rudd and Alcaraz wish they could have won the title some other way.
– For them, they would probably feel better if they had this opportunity when they had advanced further in their career and had results that really made you feel like you existed. At the same time, they can do nothing about it. There are painted fences everywhere. They just have to make the most of it, Bjorkman says.
A new celebration?: There may be more champagne for Carlos Alcaraz. A great talent, like Rudd, can become a world champion during the US Open.
Photo: Juan Medina/Reuters
The decisions that the Swede is referring to are those Ranking points were not awarded during Wimbledon, as a result of the decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players from London.
At the same time, its previous values Novak Djokovic missed many important tournaments and ranking points because he refused to take the Corona vaccine.
Frank is not agreed
The 50-year-old is hoping both Ruud and Alcaraz will reach the final and seal the battle for the world title at the mighty Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
– It could have been more fair. Then they both deserved it, he says.
Norwegian tennis expert Christer Frank, for his part, believes Rudd shouldn’t care how he ends up as world champion.
– That’s how it is in sports. One person is injured, one is sick, another is not present. If you are number one, you are number one, says Frank and continues:
– In ten years, no one will talk about who was involved and who was not.
Two metres: Russia’s Karen Khatsganov is Ruud’s last hurdle before the US Open final. Khatganov has a height of 1.98 meters, which is known for its huge reach.
Photo: Andres Kudacki / AP
Rod held as favourite
Frank and Bjorkman put pressure on Roode in the semi-final against Karen Khachanov Friday. The two met once before – On the gravel – Then the Norwegian came out victorious.
– Obviously, Casper has a very good chance of becoming number one. However, it is easy for many to believe that he is the favorite against the Russian. I hope he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself. He just has to play as he has so far at the US Open. But Björkman points out that Khatyanov would be a killer because he is an underdog.
MIGHTY ARENA: Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis court in the world with a capacity of more than 23,000 spectators.
Photo: Jeff Burke/Reuters
The Russian, whose height is 1.98 cm at the base, is known for its massive reach. He hits hard and often risks a lot in his game. Frank thinks Rod’s switch will be pressure Khatyanov stumbled back on the track, exhausting himself.
– If Casper can do that, that’s a huge advantage for him. Then Casper could come in with a forehand. There is a lot to decide here, but the Russian player showed in the quarter-final that he is playing a big game in it, so he must be well prepared, says Frank.
The semi-final match between Ruud and Khatsganov will be held at 21.00 Norwegian time. The second semi-final match will be played on Saturday at 01.00.
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