Djokovic Falls to Ruud in Monte Carlo Semi-Final After Epic Battle

Djokovic last reached the final in Monte Carlo when he won the tournament in 2015.

In the semi-finals on Saturday against two-time French Open finalist Ruud, the 36-year-old made a false start and immediately gave up his first service game. The Norwegian defended his break lead to win the set (6:4).

Djokovic, on the other hand, showed signs of fatigue early on and kept looking for the shadows between rallies.

In the second round, however, a completely different game developed, which was also due to the fact that the temperatures dropped noticeably. Spurred on by the early setback, Djokovic bit into the game and took the second set in just 39 minutes.

But even in the decisive round, Djokovic initially had his back to the wall. From his point of view, the Grand Slam record champion conceded the early break to make it 0-2. As has often been the case in his career, the Serb also showed his ability to take the game on Saturday afternoon and took Ruud’s serve a short time later to make it 3-4.

Djokovic double fault decides game

In the decisive phase, however, Djokovic made too many unforced errors (22 in total with 30 winners) and ultimately found himself faced with three match points against him at 4:5 and 0:40. He was able to fend off the first two, but Ruud converted the third to the delight of the loud audience in the Principality after 2:18 hours thanks to a double fault from Djokovic.

It was Ruud’s first win in his sixth duel with the Serb. In the previous five matches, the Norwegian had not won a single set.

Ruud: “I’m a bit in shock”

“It’s a day I’ll remember for a long time,” said the 25-year-old in the winner’s interview on the court afterwards, adding: “I’m very, very happy. I’m a bit in shock at the moment.”

Rune argues with the audience – Sinner remains unimpressed

2024-04-13 21:36:00
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