Casper Ruud navigated annoying distractions from a stadium full of Latin fans,a possible rib complaint, a pounding rainstorm outside and a stubborn opponent to reach his third Masters 1000 final on Friday in Madrid.
The Norwegian iceman who once stood second in the world kept his calm amid unsportsmanlike jeering from fans as he held off Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5 after nearly two hours.
He will play Brit Jack Draper. in Sunday’s Final
Ruud, a two-time Roland Garros finalist, was treated after three games for a sharp pain in his rib and dealt with the annoyance throughout the struggle.
“I felt something during the warmup and on almost every shot, especially the serve. All I could do was get a painkiller.
“I was playing one game at a time really, but I felt better as the match went on. It was not the ideal start but I managed to keep it together and play some really good tennis when I had to.”
The ATP No. 15 has reached the final without dropping a set, with his South American opponent able to convert only three of 18 break point chances.
Ruud trailed by a break in each set, fighting back both times.
After breaking Cerundolo a second time to win the opening set, he then saved seven break points in the dramatic fifth game of the second lasting for 14 minutes, complaining in vain to the chair about fans yelling during first and second serve.
The Scandinavian saved three break points to take a 6-5 lead and broke for a final time a game later to earn victory on a second match point.
Ruud will be playing in the 25th Tour final of his career.
“I was not sure if I could finish the match,” he said of his rib injury scare. “Players have a lot to deal with and the public just does not have the information that we have.
“Of course it’s a dream travelling the world but there are struggles every week, a minor pain, fatigue or stress. But I love what I do and that keeps me going.”
Main photo:- Casper Ruud keeps his cool as he wins Madrid semi final – by ATPTour.com
