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We asked Casper Ruud (21) what he thinks of some of the “bad guys” in tennis. This week, one of them could be your toughest challenger in the battle for a new ATP title.
RYEN (Nettavisen): Despite a season that was amputated due to the crown, Casper Ruud has achieved great success in 2020.
In February, he won his first ATP title in Argentina and after the breaking of the crown, the snarøya boy can aim for the semi-finals in Rome and Hamburg, as well as a new best career in the ATP ranking, with his 25th place.
Ahead of the ATP 250 tournament in the land of Sardinia this week, the Norwegian is ranked number three and is the bookmaker’s favorite to win the tournament.
One of his biggest rivals in the title battle will likely be first-seeded Italian Fabio Fognini, one of several pops of color on the ATP circuit.
The day before Ruud’s departure for Sardinia, we asked the Norwegian tennis star about Fognini and some more of the “less traditional tennis players” “bad boys” in tennis.
Medvedev – Russian class and aggression
Ruud ended up, during the ATP Cup earlier this year, in an argument with Daniil Medvedev very angry. The Russian, who is now ranked number six in the world, thought Ruud should have complained about a ball going through the net.
However, the Norwegian stood his ground and informed Medvedev that it was the Russian who got a simple ball from the net hit.
Ruud believes that the Russian is a type of player who can improve even more when he shoots.
– He’s a bit strange and special guy. In fact, I think it’s nice, but we players have an extreme competitive instinct and it can get a little black at times. It can happen to anyone, but I see that sometimes he gets into some discussions. He’s a very good player and he’s almost better when he’s not excited. It seems to offer even better tennis, Ruud tells Nettavisen.
Mutual agreement: Medvedev vs. Ruud 1-0
Fognini – Italian passion
Fabio Fognini is another player with skills and temperament at the same high level. The Italian is the No. 1 seed in this week’s Sardinia tournament and is ranked 16th in the world.
The 33-year-old can go from world-class tennis to miserable achievements in such a short time that he has become a little mystery in the tennis world.
– He’s a very good tennis player. Sometimes it is difficult to understand, because it can be very good, so the next day it may seem that you are not interested in being on a tennis court. Everyone on tour respects how good he is and how good he can play tennis. He proved it last year in Monte Carlo when he won the tournament and beat Nadal in the semifinals, says Ruud of the Italian.
Mutual agreement: Fognini vs. Ruud 0-2
Paire: French arrogance and madness
Frenchman Benoit Paire is among the most angry and outgoing on tour. He has repeatedly demonstrated this with crushing and insults from both referees and opponents.
Paire is ranked 26th in the world, the place behind Ruud and has lost both of his encounters with the Norwegian.
– He is also an exciting character. I’ve seen him twice and neither of them have been his best days, but I know how good he can be. He has won several tournaments on the ATP Tour and has gone to the quarterfinals and quarterfinals at the Grand Slam, so he is definitely a good tennis player.
– He is also someone who can argue a bit from time to time. When I was going to play him in Hamburg, I watched his match from Rome this year, where he lost to Sinner. He wasn’t in a good mood then either, so there are some who are like that. Especially he and Fognini can play extremely well, while other days it seems that they are not interested in being there, says Ruud about Paire.
Mutual Agreement: Paire vs. Ruud 0-2
Nick Kyrgios – the Australian savage
The wildest of all is perhaps Australian Nick Kyrgios. The 25-year-old is not afraid to give his opinion and constantly ends up in public speaking with his tour mates.
Kyrgios is opposed to Ruud’s favorite covering, gravel, and believes that real tennis is played on grass and hard court.
The Canberra man has also gone after Casper Ruud labeled the Norwegian as boring last fall.
– You can probably darken it a bit too, without me having to say much more than that. Those who see him play know how those games can go. He, like Fognini and Paire, is an extremely good tennis player if you really want to. He’s probably one of the most dangerous when he’s on the job, because he has extremely good service. It’s very hard to break his serve, and then he comes up with some extreme shots in the middle, which are incredibly fun to watch. It’s a shame for the fans that he’s not interested. This is how it can happen to you sometimes, says Ruud.
Mutual Agreement: Kyrgios vs. Ruud 0-1
Casper Ruud is directly qualified for the second round of the Sardinia tournament this week and will play his first match on Thursday. There he meets the winner of Salvatore Caruso and Yanick Hanfmann.
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