World No.1 Novak Djokovic is inching closer to his first title of 2024 in Monte-Carlo as he takes on Norway’s Casper Ruud.
Novak Djokovic came into Monte-Carlo with an 8-3 match record and no titles. And this time it’s not because of travel bans or other extra-tennis drama. It’s just that the Serb has been just a little off the boil. He was diabolical against Jannik Sinner in the semis of the Australian Open, but it was Djokovic’s loss to world No. 123 Luca Nardi in Indian Wells that raised eyebrows.
Still, he’s been efficient this week. The world No. 1 had fairly tidy wins over Roman Safiullin, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur to earn his spot in the semifinals. That he faces Casper Ruud as his semifinal opponent can only be considered favorable for the Serb. Djokovic has a 5-0 record over Ruud, though none of the matches were legitimate blowouts.
Norway’s Casper Ruud has had a good, if not spectacular start to the year. Like Djokovic, the world No. 10 is title-less so far. He got close in the finals of Acapulco, but he was dismissed by Alex de Minaur. Ruud is by far the best clay court player of Djokovic’s opponents this week. The Norwegian has made 2 French Open finals (l. Djokovic and Rafael Nadal). And 9 of his 10 career titles came on the dirt.
While Djokovic must be considered the favorite in this match, Ruud might at least get a whiff at the upset win. The Serb hasn’t really been tested, and while Ruud rarely wins when he’s not “supposed” to, he might at least come close on Saturday.
Cheryl pick – Djokovic in 3
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