Casper Ruud Scores Revenge Against Stefanos Tsitsipas In Barcelona

The world number 6 Casper Ruud secured revenge against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals of the Barcelona Open just a week after missing out on the Monte Carlo crown last Sunday against the Greek. Ruud secured the title in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 in an hour and 29 minutes. He did not drop a set en-route to the title. He becomes a first-time Barcelona champion and finally secures a title at an event bigger than 250. 

© Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell

Casper Ruud started the match a little slow as he was broken immediately, allowing the Greek to pull ahead 3-1. However, he quickly found his footing in the match and levelled the playing field to 3-3, raising his level and finally managed to break with Tsitsipas serving to stay in the match, clinching the first after 51 minutes.

Ruud marched on with momentum in the second set, where he broke Tsitsipas in the fourth game to lead 3-1. Staying calm and collected, Ruud served for the match at 5-3 and closed out the set, game to love after Tsitsipas put the last forehand long. 

Casper Ruud leads the tour with 29 wins this season. He also pulls ahead of the Greek in their Lexus Head2Head leading 3-2. Great turn out for the Norwegian as he finds his form this season, returning to the top-10 after having dropped out late last year. Ruud and Tsitsipas are the only few players in their generation who are more comfortable on clay than on hardcourt. With elite performances in the last two weeks, they will be heading to Madrid with high expectations and confidence.