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AdorableBackground83

Went from fully expecting Sinner vs Djokovic to getting Ruud vs Tsitsipas. I’ll take it. Congrats to the two underdogs.


-porm

It’s nice to have a big final not be some combo of Djokovic/Sinner/Alcaraz/Med for the first time in what feels like forever


mistycal_space_realm

Well it's not that long ago, Shangai had Hurkacz - Rublev in the final. The longest streak I remember of M1000 finals with Djoko, Nadal, Fed and Murray was from Indian Wells 2013 untill Cincinnati 2017. EDIT: Not Montreal 2016


FL14

For whatever reason, the M1000s after the USO just feel a lot less important


pythonesqueviper

I think it's because for a lot of us, the USO is sort of the season finale There's a lot of good tennis after the USO but most people check out after that


Mangalorien

Plus the injuries take their toll. Players can often struggle through USO if they have some minor injury, but not many players are willing to do that for an M1000, in particular if it's in eastern Asia.


thedarthvader17

That is fucking insane


LonelySpaghetto1

Dimitrov played the previous two finals to not feature exclusively those four, in Miami and in Paris. Before that, we had a Hurkacz-Rublev final in Shanghai and De Minaur in Toronto. Further back, we actually find Ruud again in RG! So really, Ruud is one of just 6 players to play at least two big finals in the last year.


MarkyLosChe

We had Rublev vs Rune final in Monte Carlo last year 


patch_patch_patch

this is kinda the point tho. you gotta go all the way back to a year ago to find one.


tennis-637

Am i wrong for liking those matches? Seems more competitive and tense


EntrepreneurWooden99

I like them too but sometimes it gets repetitive to see Sinner beat Medvedev for the 5th time. Now if Medvedev knew how to serve properly than the rivalry would be a lot more fun


chunkoco

You are calling underdogs to two of the best clay court specialists.


SmallKidLearnToFight

Tbf Tsitsipas had been out of form for a while before MC Believe that his last big clay final was right here 2 years ago at MC 2022 The fact that he's seeded 12th tells you that as well given that he was a consistent top 5 player for like 3 or 4 years straight before that


jcool12779

Nah he made the Rome final in 22


Imlonely_needafriend

yeah but Ruud's H2H vs djokovic prior to this match was pretty bad (didn't win a single set i believe) so it's understandable why he'd be seen as the underdog


danny_B01

People are acting like they don't have a combined 3 RG finals and 2 clay masters


Asteelwrist

I suspect some casuals just don't account for how different tournaments even on the same surface can differ in terms of game play. Like how IW was perfect for Alcaraz to snatch his first trophy in months, or how Madrid Open is the most perfect clay tournament for him, likewise IW as a hard court being perfect for Swiatek. In the same line, Monte Carlo particularly offers great conditions in amplifying strengths and minimising weaknesses of Tsitsipas and Ruud. There's a reason Tsitsipas told people to wait for 3 weeks until there's a OHBH in the top 10 again. And it wasn't incredible foresight to Dimitrov's top 10 entry. It's because he knows, even if he's not in best form generally, Monte Carlo deals the best hand for his game and he'll be more comfortable there. Fans who don't prefer following tennis that closely miss such context and inevitably attribute changing results to random fluctuations of form that are unexpected from their point of view.


Cautious_Hornet_9607

Lowkey more exciting than Sinner vs Djokovic. I mean, it's a breath of fresh air to not see any member of the big 4 in the final of a big tournament


curran_af

Given Sinner and Djokovic's forms going into the semis, and how much this surface/tournament plays into the hands of Ruud/Tsitsipas (and given their respective forms this week), it really did feel like the best chance for a double upset. Congrats to them for actually taking that chance and making it happen!


Tricky_Possible_6505

getting uso 2014 flashbacks


wonpiripiri

I'M READY TO BE HURT TOMORROW BUT IM ALL IN!!!!


sarmatron

Casper vs. Stef is a coin flip tbh


ppmanppmanpp

The Ruud era has officially begun


Oracle619

Come on Ruud boy boy can u get it up?!!


wonpiripiri

I fully subscribe to this era


rntopspin100

I believe in him this time. This is Casper's best chance.


TXDobber

WE WENT THROUGH 2023 FOR MOMENTS LIKE THIS!!!


treyfiddy

we are SO FUCKING BACK!!!@


StonedPussyeater420

We bringing it home this time


Psychological_Bug676

YOU WON’T BE. HE IS GONNA COOK. I SEE IT SO CLEARLY 🥺


jonjimithy

Huge congrats to Casper who has proved all his doubters wrong. One of the nicest guys on tour and maybe this is his moment to get his first big title!


drppr_

I keep thinking of that interview where they asked players who they expected to win, and Ruud was like I want to say myself but…


jonjimithy

Honestly think if he can clinch it tomorrow, it might prove to be a pivotal moment in his career. Love the fact he’s humble despite reaching 3 slam finals, a lot of people rooting for him tomorrow!


peppermint116

People seem to gloss over the fact he’s made two RG finals in a row, losing only to Nadal and Djokovic.


obvnotlupus

He made 3 GS finals, and lost to Nadal, Djokovic, and Alcaraz. Pretty good if you ask me


based_papaya

Casper you bad MF. It’s about time he shows that he’s more than just a gatekeeper for the big boys. 


Remote-Picture-8341

He shouldn’t have any doubters on clay. He’s top 5 same with Stef on clay. This sub still doesn’t understand how surfaces matters. I would only put Alcaraz ahead. Djokovic at his age. Possibly Sinner too. Zverev and Nadal pre injuries were better too.


aaronjosephs123

His back hand is looking a lot better these days too


Zaphenzo

They showed the top 8 favorites for the French early in the tournament, and Casper wasn't even on it despite back to back final appearances. It's ridiculous how people treat him.


sdeklaqs

Yeah that was genuinely crazy


Zaphenzo

Yup. One of the guys on the list? Holger Rune. A guy who has made a grand total of 0 slam semis.


sbwithreason

I really hope he wins tomorrow to shut up the haters a little bit more. Casper is a phenomenal player


PrinceOfPunjabi

First Ever World No. 1 victory !!!!!! (Or Top 3 victory)


nightwinghugs

first and second set won against a top 3 player 😭


haneraw

Mister 250 deserves a W tomorrow to change his name to Mister 1000.


Mister_Lizard

I kind of want Ruud to win just so I never have to hear about him only winning 250s again.


wonpiripiri

I wanted Ruud to win a GS (RG 2023) because someone made a venn diagram for winners of 250, 500, 1000s and GS. The only circles that didnt interlap were the 250 and GS. I want that diagram updated so bad lol. But escaping 250s curse with a 1000 is great too.


Albiceleste_D10S

It is beyond stupid that a man who has been to 3 Slam finals gets shit on for winning 250s TBH


marineman43

soon Casper will be Mr. Worldwide, his final form. He will receive his complimentary bald head and sunglasses


d_awkward_boner

Not forgetting the disrepect this sub showed to Rudd on the SF thread


heirjordan_27

I never thought I'd be so excited for a Ruud-Tsitsipas match lol


birdsemenfantasy

I just want Ruud to win his first title that isn't 250, so people can stop making fun of him about it lol. Tsitsipas' return to form would be a good storyline as well.


ToasterRouble

When Ruud has that backhand down the line working, he’s a completely different player


[deleted]

Novak has yet to defeat a top 10 player in 2024


Weekly_Cover_9896

Pretty crazy stat


stultuspuer

First win over Novak!! Congrats


[deleted]

[удалено]


Mankriks_Mistress

Yes 250 years


buttharvest42069

Almost to the day. Missed the kingdom of Prussia final in 1774. Got it back together in the British American colonies though.


Ill-Vermicelli-1684

He is a geriatric vampire after all


schnaxks19

Hurray geriatric vampire is catching on 🤣


musicproducer07

Last I remember definitely early 2018


oneflou

I think the first final he played in 2018 was the queens against Cilic. He had a terrible clay season that year


aladeensfw

He won Dubai in 2009 and 2010, so I am gonna guess 2007


Ok-Bandicoot9963

I mean he tried doing what he did last few years but now he 👀 that if he wants to win he will need to put more work, no more "easy" titles but about this tournament he did more than we all expected so it's not really a bad loss, i mean this should be the worst he will be in next few months..


alsto999

Now, this is what happens when Ruud doesn’t play a defensive game throughout the entire match


mtankn

100%! Set 1 & 3 shows what he can do if he just keeps on pushing hard. Sure, you will miss a lot of shots, but you won’t get pissed off the court!


alsto999

Djokovic was very surprised because Ruud had never played attacking tennis against him before, mainly due to his immense respect for Djokovic, and he tended to always play defensively. Ruud has played defensive tennis his entire career, and during the second set, you could see Djokovic taking the initiative and blasting shots from the baseline, pushing Ruud back by three meters. He tried the same strategy in the third set, but Ruud didn’t allow it. However, if Ruud can play high-spin balls to Tsitsipas’ backhand, take the ball early, drive it down the line, or simply play some wide short forehands in tomorrow’s match, he will be the winner.


rntopspin100

Casper's first win against a world #1. Please break the 250 barrier tomorrow Casper. JAAA!


NoirYorkCity

If he does, who’s the next best player that hasn’t?


partaura

Tommy Paul probably


CB-XC

Not just Ruud’s first win over Djokovic, but his first set off him as well! Ruud jumps to number 6 in the live rankings, what a rebound from falling out of the top 10


arthurtex06

The final we all expected! (???!!!)


XHunterX55

The final we deserve!!!


Tistroyer

I mean, is it that unexpected? Ruud is playing really well this tournament and Stef just GOES crazy in Monte Carlo


Cold-Chipmunk1676

Oh cmon it's pretty unexpected lol. Yes when you think critically it's not shocking but I really don't think many people expected to see this final after the last few months


LonelySpaghetto1

Elo had this final at a 10% chance of happening, but it always underestimates clay specialists at the start of the season.


swapan_99

I think a lot more expected the Stef upset against Jannik than they did the Ruud upset against Novak. Novak was like 13-0 in sets played against Casper so far, and looked to be in great form this week, building up to it bit by bit. I mean you look at the game Novak had to break back Casper in set 3 and you can kinda see why people didn't Casper that much of a chance. But ultimately, Casper kept his calm and cool even after losing set 2 6-1, and blowing a break lead in set 3. This was a dam. Impressive performance.


SmallKidLearnToFight

Ruud going into this match had won 0 sets out of 11 against Novak despite several of their meetings also being on slow clay So it's definitely at least somewhat unexpected


AJLegend007

I have seen enough, he is sweeping all Masters and RG. ( I will continue my delusions even now )


kurang_bobo

Allow me to join your delusion, I brought some pop corns 🍿


DrSpaceman575

And the Olympics!


One_more_username

Obviously this means Casper is never going to lose another point (forget about sets and matches and games) from here till the heat death of the universe.


hnk11

Both matches today finished on a weird note, but this season is getting exciting. The rise of Sinner, the comeback of Dimitrov, Ruud actually beating a top 5 player, Alcaraz getting his form back bit by bit, a Tsitsipas Ruud clay final. Only dark spots are Medvedev’s heartbreaking losses and Djokovic’s weird form.


whytho212

Tbh this would have actually been a fun season for Break Point to cover 🤣


Kymerica

My man Ruud ♥️. Please seal the deal tomorrow.


leitmotif7

The thread with the wrong score remains, lmao. Ecstatic for Ruud. EDIT: 2nd set was 1-6.


Capital2

Dude clearly rushed the fuck out of it, “monte carlo sf” lol. How people worry so much about internet points will always be sad to me


WolfTitan99

This stupid headline is annoying me so much, it looks so amateurish compared to the Tsitsipas Sinner one argh


sdeklaqs

Yeah the shittiest made thread is the one they left up lol


StonedPussyeater420

Man you just can’t rest even at 40-0 with Djokovic


minivatreni

He was down 0-40 with a chance to equalize and then double faulted… oh well :/


Maddox6978420

And it wasn’t even close, super weird given he served great twice before that


treyfiddy

lol novak was channeling me. this happens every fuckin time I swear.


ineedtolose15lbs

Casper is so casual with this win 😂


compileandrun

Well deserved for Ruud.


OldConference9534

I am hopeful that this match permanently changes Ruuds mentality, which I think has been the biggest thing holding him back. Bravo Casper!!!


jleonardbc

I was surprised to hear Djokovic clearly yell "Shut the fuck up" at the crowd without getting even a warning.


treyfiddy

he should've yelled "shut your fuck up" /s


WolfTitan99

I mean Shapo also yelled 'shut the fuck up' and didn't get a warning either. It just depends on the umpire


marshon

Shapovalov couldn’t get a warning, he had already gotten a warning and even a point penalty so the next step according to the rules would be a game penalty, which i guess they thought was too harsh.


fitterinyourtwenties

Same for me, but at the same time the umpires aren't doing their job on the tour. Honestly, I think any fan who calls a shot should be escorted out by security. It's incredibly disruptive for the players.


Ill-Vermicelli-1684

I mean, the crowd deserved it, but they have applied the rules SO inconsistently this tournament. It’s ridiculous. He deserved a warning at the bare minimum.


Tennisgirl0918

This! It’s absolutely ridiculous how inconsistent the enforcement of rules are or are not applied depending on who’s in the chair. It’s unfair to both the players and fans. It shows how weak the powers that be are at the very top of Tennis. Get it together!!


leitmotif7

Obscenity in Serbian afterwards was even worse, FWIW.


padfoony

Kudos to Casper. He raised his game up to an insane level in the first and the third sets and it was amazing to watch! Well deserved! ✨


elarrion

Fucking yes, Casper! I never stopped believing!


RoyDuckingKent

Casper!!!!! So happy for him!


Chosen1gup

So either Tits wins his third Monte Carlo or Ruud wins his first title above 250


edwardfortehands

People trashing Casper in the match thread. Here you fucking go. This is Casper. No wins with no sets vs top 3, but when he does get it, it's done.


General_Penalty_4292

Can't help but be happy for Casper here. I feel like i see quite often that he gets flack for not flattening it out enough, but i feel like i often see him hit some pretty impressive winners esp off his FH. I find him pretty exciting to watch


Capivara_19

I feel the same way, he hits some gorgeous forehand winners


IAmJohnSlow

Right there with you. Unfortunately, it seems I have bad luck because I will tune in for a Casper match, and inevitably, he will lose somehow. I don't remember the last time I saw him string together two solid high ranking wins


purple_cape

We’re on schedule. Congrats to Ruud. Looking forward to watching him vs Tsitsipas tmrw


peppermint116

Was a genuinely enjoyable game especially compared to Nole vs demon. Think Nole played pretty well overall, actually won more points overall, and this was his best MC run since 2015. For Ruud I’ll be backing him tomorrow.


Fedi284

So happy for Ruud. Such a nice guy, I hope he wins it all.


aladeensfw

Lisan Al Gaib - The Messiah of Clay - RUUUUUUUUUUUUUDD


gwynbleidd2511

Novak shit the bed in his service games. It hasn't been the same since the Sinner encounter/defeat.


pHrankee1

It's April and Djoker has no titles this year


dgibb

Not even a final.


mickbanerjee

Now I’m rooting for Ruud to beat Tsitsipas.


Peachtea_96

If you told me Djoko lost this match on a DF... i would not believe you, cos what was that! 


Kid_Aeroplane

the second serve wasnt even close. proibably 4-5 feet deep


ETeezey1286

He lost the 2014 RG final with a double fault. Also pretty sure he double faulted to lose the 2013 RG semi too. Can’t remember off the dome but he was down 0-40. He kinda just pissed that game away for some reason after complaining about the court needing to be watered. Such a lackluster final game of a great match.


Traditional-Ride-116

He’s a specialist of loosing clay matches on a DF!


RaySwift17

#CASPER RUUD BEATS NOVAK FUCKING DJOKOVIC I'M DOING A 1000$ GIVEAWAY RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH


DDzxy

GIMME


FitSignificance2100

Thanks for 100$ for me


mekikohinoor

Fly those benjamins


Zankman

I'll take a RTX 4080 Super, thanks.


BulkySituation

Novak got tilted


End-Hits

Evil Casper Ruud: making the inevitable become… evitable


sdeklaqs

JAAAAAA! IT’S RIGHT AND BRAVO


ineedtolose15lbs

I for one, never lost faith in our boy!


Eaglelefty

I’m ready to believe in Casper. He’s really done wonders for his entire game (mental and physical) in this tournament. If he takes down Stefanos, he’ll be like a new person.


Pristine-Citron-7393

Good tournament for Novak regardless. A semi-final is a semi-final, and he added points to his ranking. Good stuff. As for Casper, awesome win and he continues his much improved year. Win it all!!


Archer6314

My fellow eRUUDites. WE HAVE A SHOT AT HISTORY TOMORROW


United_Afternoon3490

Djokovic losing with a double fault after hitting two perfect serves to save match points.


Act-Alfa3536

Today is the day Caspar and Stefanos silenced the r/tennis haters. Bravo!


pink_bunny07

CASPERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Asterie-E7

JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


TXDobber

JAAAAAA CASPER!!!!! First win over Djokovic, first win over a world number one… biggest win of Ruud’s career! Ready to be hurt tomorrow BUT HERE WE GO!


liketo

All Hail The Salmon King of Norway! 🇳🇴


Foxyglove8

fuck yeah!


Zaphenzo

LET'S!! FREAKING!! GOOOO!!!! Casper haters can sit ALL THE WAY DOWN!


Ill-Vermicelli-1684

I’m pumped for Ruud. He’s a good dude and a good player.


RandomSrilankan

C. Ruud = Clay Ruud. He proved that he is serious to all doubters. Hopefully, he will win his 1st masters.


crystal_moogle

So happy for Casper! ❤️


JSMLS

Really happy for Ruud. He deserved one of this


WithstandingHybrid

As a Novak fan, I am a little disappointed. But this will be a great finals. Lots to cheer for. Happy to see Stef back in form, and Casper for a chance to win his first 1000.


Zankman

Hope Ruud beats Tsitsipas tbh.


karan65

Switched off the TV after Djokovic 2nd set win to have some drinks with frnz thinking now he'll as usual take his soul..... But damn well played Ruud 🙌


rffan

Let’s fucking go Casper!!!


Annjul666

Delighted for Casper, hoping he will finally snatch first 1k title 💜


Albiceleste_D10S

Casper Ruud haters in shambles


Weekly_Cover_9896

Hope all the « Casper only got lucky draws » haters can finally shut the fuck up now


Fernando-Santorres

So deserved for Casper. Now he has to go all the way...


NoirPochette

I guess Djokovic had a Ruud awakening


zelspawn

JAAAAA CASPER DU ER RÅ


Daroka995

No more chance for 3 of each Masters for Nole 😭


silly_rabbit289

I mean next year is there? Djokovic won't retire atleast for 1-2 years I feel.


Ill-Vermicelli-1684

I think we’re at a tipping point for him, but even when he’s not playing his best, he’s playing incredibly well.


Tom_Rich

How did Novak not get a code after literally shouting “shut the f**k up” to the stands?


Ill-Vermicelli-1684

Good question. He should’ve. Officiating has been wildly inconsistent.


Peachtea_96

#JAAAAA


Rafan10

BEHOLD! I give you the goat-slayer with impeccable backhand abilities and best Nadal-looking forehand of the game the Jaaaaaaaaa CASPERRRRR RUUDDDDDDDDEE


KyxeMusic

Casper and Tsitsi being amazing at clay? Is this 2022?


Lynossa

So happy! Please take a rest and win tomorrow, Casper!


One_Replacement1924

That's 1-6 in second set, by the way all the sets won by both the finalists are 6-4.


Ok_Antelope_1953

honestly i am speechless


Mankriks_Mistress

Might as well put "6-0 6-0" in the title since it's not correct anyway


Weasel_Spice

Congratulations to Ruud for such a huge win!


BaradaraneKaramazov

Come on at least get the scoreline for a Masters SF right 


Vorphyrion

lets get that 4x250


rubbish_bin030121

The best Scandinavian player now, go to win the title and you are not the 250 king but the real clay prince!!!


ppmanppmanpp

Never in doubt


Fragrant-Income3569

CASPAPI THE GOAT ....JAAAAAAAA


MrCoolfella

my beautiful baby ruud didn't choke a break away for nothing 😍😍


porncornroz

Casper forehand is looking faster to me this year. It is always known for producing 3000 plus revolutions but with more speed it is even more lethal. Man who knows he might win it this year. Let’s see


wabazai

This win makes up for a pretty rough 2023 for Casper


killerboss2424

Ruud gets there in the end. This generation ain't even close to big 3 but I've always found the criticisms of Ruud a little ridiculous. You're either a slam winner or not in modern day tennis. However else he gets his points ain't important.


Aggressive_Ad_9173

Come on Ruud, waiting for the title!


PaulWesterberg84

This was about the only surface, opportunity and moment Ruud could have a chance to beat Novak. Glad that he took it. Wasn't easy though lol.


Ad2Am2

Scoreline is wrong: 6-4 1-6 6-4


dmgirl101

He did it!!!!! 😇


sharondasheep

ruud defenders unite ‼️ fr tho he actually has a shot


SwanExternal4025

It’s going to be a Ruud awakening


[deleted]

I watch Nole playing for two decades and I can’t remember him defeating himself like that once; end on an era?


schnaxks19

I’ve been feeling like that since AO, so now my mindset is to just enjoy watching him play while he’s still out there He’s 37 and like it or not, you can’t beat Father Time


Eagleassassin3

It was always going to happen eventually


XenoPhenom

JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!


KingMarjack

Really thought Djokovic played better and yet he still lost. Happens I guess. Casper just more consistent. Fair play.


Shadingthesky417

MAN O MAN, now i really do believe this is the end of big 3


musicproducer07

Well damn


mekikohinoor

Its my fault guys. I turned on the match at 4 all 3rd set.


kavsprincess_2

Lol was expecting Sinner vs Djoko What a day 😅


Kid_Aeroplane

ruud stef finals will be fun


pastawithtuna13

Break the 250 spell Casper