Casper Ruud labelled the French Open favourite by ATP rival in bold claim
Cameron Norrie has made a big statement by declaring Casper Ruud is the favourite to win both the Madrid Open and the French Open this year.
The world No 30 revealed he was “really impressed” by Ruud and highlighted the quality of the Norwegian’s backhand after losing to him in Madrid.
Ruud delivered a strong display to defeat Norrie 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the Madrid Open on Monday to continue his superb clay-court form.
The world No 6, who won the Barcelona Open to claim the biggest title of his career prior to appearing in Madrid, has won seven straight matches without dropping a set.
The 25-year-old was also a runner-up at the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this month, where he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas, while he started his 2024 clay season by reaching the Estoril Open semi-finals.
Ruud was a finalist at the French Open in 2022 and 2023 — losing to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic respectively.
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Following his defeat to Ruud in the Spanish capital, Norrie backed the three-time major runner-up for glory in Madrid and at Roland Garros.
“He always does well here in Madrid and he hit his backhand unbelievably well today, I was really impressed,” the Brit told Express Sport.
“I came in there a lot, he passed me a few times and I’m not sure he missed too many backhands today, maybe one in the first game and that’s all I can remember so it was an impressive level from him.
Ruud advances @CasperRuud98 takes out Norrie in straight sets to advance in Madrid!@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/ZL1Ouydqw7
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 29, 2024
“And I would say he’s the favourite for the tournament and probably favourite for French Open as well.
“It was a really good level from Casper, I was impressed with how well he’s played. Obviously really confident, playing really, really well in Monte Carlo and Barcelona so I was a bit surprised with that and how well he came out.
“And I took it to him in the second set. I was a little bit disappointed with the final game but good lesson.”
Ruud, who will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last 16 in Madrid on Tuesday, gave his assessment of his victory over Norrie.
“I think [he hit] a bit more unforced errors than what I’ve seen him do before, especially the match in Australia,” said the Norwegian in his post-match press conference.
“I was really prepared for a tough match and it always is but obviously in Australia I lost so I wanted my revenge as well and kind of happy we’re playing on clay. I’m feeling confident on the surface at the moment and I was playing some good clay-court tennis out there.
“His backhand is very unique, very flat and low, but on the clay it’s maybe not as effective as on hard court where it kind of skids off the ground a little more so I have a little extra time to set up my shots so that kind of was in my favour on this surface.”
