If the 2024 US Open were a movie, Casper Ruud would be in the middle of an epic montage, training for the final fight. Three grueling rounds have finally earned Ruud a spot in the event’s second week. This Sunday, he faces No. 12 Taylor Fritz in what could be his toughest test yet.
Ruud’s Final Grand Slam Opportunity
The tournament provides the 25-year-old Norwegian with the chance to finally realize Grand Slam success that has so far seemed elusive. This is Ruud’s fourth time in a Grand Slam final after finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2022, Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open in 2022, and Novak Djokovic in this year’s Roland Garros. And on each occasion, he had to taste defeat.
This year’s US Open draw looks different. Without Nadal, Alcaraz, and Djokovic, it may look like the break is good, but that doesn’t mean the way is clear. Casper Ruud could meet Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals, who beat him just months ago at Roland Garros. But Ruud isn’t thinking that far ahead, focusing firmly on Fritz.
A Grueling Path to the Round of 16
This has not been easy sailing for Casper Ruud to enter the Round of 4. He struggled against Shang Juncheng, popularly known as Jerry, in a five-set battle that extended his time on the court to almost nine hours. That is what top seeds expect in a major tournament-they will fight in every match, with nobody giving it away without trying.
From a high seed, Casper Ruud knows the pressure is always on him. It’s tough in the first rounds of a Slam when you’re high-seeded and whoever you play can play freely, he explained. With him having to raise his level of performance, most of his opponents take to playing aggressively and usually have nothing to lose.
Casper Ruud’s Crucial Clash with Taylor Fritz
His next match against Taylor Fritz will be the most crucial one. With Ruud leading 2-0 against Fritz in head-to-head matches, Fritz has been in good form, spending less time on the court and not losing a set. That could make him a little fresher in the legs.
This next match will require Ruud’s physical and mental toughness. He already showed that by coming back from two sets down against Shang. “I’m not going to play perfect every match, but I can be a tough player to beat if I’m physically and mentally prepared,” said Ruud.
While Casper Ruud is on course for this US Open of 2024, he has to be taken seriously. With the great performance already given with psychological strength, he must be one of the players to keep under observation. If he can hold his concentration at the right level and is full of stamina, probably this may be the year of his crowning as a Grand Slam winner.
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