“Djokovic is the best player in the world on this surface”

Casper Ruud (No. 4 in the world) achieved first place in his group and accessed the ATP Finals semi-finals with a balance of two victories (Taylor Fritz and Auger-Aliassime) and a loss (Rafael Nadal).

The Norwegian, after his defeat against Nadal, told his feelings about the match and how it affected him to play knowing that he was already qualified for the semifinals: “It was a little different. It is the only tournament that has a group stage, it is not normal to be in a situation like this. I did not imagine being classified at this height. On the one hand, it’s like any other game, but on the other hand, you don’t want to risk anything in terms of injuries and it makes you play a little bit differently. It wasn’t like the last time we played (Roland Garros final)”.

The No. 4 in the world spoke about how tennis grew in his country: “Tennis and golf had a great boost. However, most people choose to watch football and winter sports. Everyone in Norway loves to watch the Premier League. Tennis has not become a big culture in my country. Maybe in a few years, not yet. I hope that, in time, children want to choose tennis as a sport to practice.

The Roland Garros and US Open finalist gave his opinion on the current level of Novak Djokovic: “He seems to be at a great level both physically and mentally. I remember watching tennis on TV when I was young and I especially remember 2011 where he won almost everything. I guess it’s just one of the nine or ten events he’s played this year. I’m sure it’s ready. He looks fresh physically and mentally.

Also, I don’t hesitate to choose him as the best in the world on this surface: “No offense to Carlos (Alcaraz) because he is ranked No. 1, but if I have to pick a player on indoor hard court, and my life depends on it, I would pick Djokovic.”

To conclude, he was satisfied with what has been done so far and hopes to go for more: “It’s a good result for me to end the year like this. Of course I would like to try to go one step further than I did last year and see if I can make it to the final. But for that I will have to play very well. I feel prepared. I will try to give it my all on Saturday”.