Casper Ruud secured his place in the Barcelona Open final with a 7-6(6) 6-4 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Looking ahead to the final, Ruud expressed his excitement at the opportunity to win “the biggest title” of his career. Despite losing his last seven finals at tournaments above ATP 250 level, Ruud has had an impressive start to the 2024 season, with four wins and one defeat from five semi-finals so far this year. He could potentially face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final for the second consecutive week after falling to the Greek player in Monte Carlo.
Describing his match against Etcheverry as one of his best performances in Barcelona, Ruud acknowledged the tough challenge his opponent presented. The opening set was closely contested, lasting one hour and 16 minutes and ending in a tie-break which Ruud won. He managed to break Etcheverry at 4-2, but the Argentine quickly broke back, showcasing his resilience. Ruud missed two set points before finally securing the set at 7-6. In the second set, Ruud gained an early break but was broken back by Etcheverry, setting the stage for a competitive battle.
Despite Etcheverry’s efforts, Ruud took control of the match by breaking his opponent to love at 3-2 in the second set. From that point on, the Norwegian maintained his composure and closed out the match with relative ease, clinching victory on his second match point. With his spot in the final secured, Ruud eagerly awaited the outcome of the semi-final between Tsitsipas and Dusan Lajovic, as he prepared to potentially face Tsitsipas in the final and seek redemption for his previous loss.
Looking forward to the final, Ruud reflected on his strong performance over the past two weeks, with back-to-back final appearances indicating his current form. Expressing gratitude for his success, Ruud acknowledged the importance of a bit of luck in his matches. With the opportunity to compete for the Barcelona Open title, Ruud recognized the significance of the moment and the chance to add a prestigious trophy to his collection. As he awaited his opponent for the final, Ruud remained focused on the task at hand and the opportunity to claim a significant title.
As Ruud prepared for the final, he remained aware of the challenges that awaited him, especially if he were to face Tsitsipas once again. With the potential for a highly competitive final matchup, Ruud understood the importance of maintaining his level of play and mental fortitude. Regardless of the outcome, Ruud’s recent performances and success in reaching the final of the Barcelona Open showcased his resilience and determination on the court. With the support of his team and fans, Ruud was poised to give his best effort in pursuit of the title that would mark a significant milestone in his career.
