Norway’s Casper Ruud, on Friday, September 9, advanced to the men’s singles final of the US Open 2022 after beating Russia’s Karen Khachanov 7-6 (5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in the semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 23-year-old will play his 2nd major final of the year, establishing his credentials as one of the finest young talents going around in the circuit.
Earlier this year, Ruud played in the final of the French Open where he lost to the legendary Rafael Nadal. However, he flattered to deceive in Wimbledon. Nevertheless, the Norwegian star has well and truly made amends by advancing to his maiden US Open men’s singles final.
Casper Ruud has an opportunity to become the No. 1 in men’s tennis as early as Monday. He will be the numero uno if Carlos Alcaraz fails to reach the final at the Flushing Meadows. The Spaniard will take on Frances Tiafoe of the USA in the second semi-final. If Alcaraz makes the final, the winner of the US Open crown will be the new No. 1.
Casper Ruud completes the road to the #USOpen final.
See you Sunday, @CasperRuud98. pic.twitter.com/GWd8LbHMuk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2022
RUUD DOMINATES SEMI-FINAL
On Friday, Ruud was at his absolute best both from the back of the court as well as the frontcourt, winning 87 percent of points at the net. The Norwegian was also nearly spotless with his serves, maintaining a win percentage of 82 on first serve as compared to Khachanov’s 68.
The first set of the semi-final was an absolute humdinger. Ruud broke Khachanov’s serve after which the Russian made a stupendous comeback.
The set went into a tie-breaker following which both players were involved in a staggering 55-shot rally. The second set was a one-sided affair as Ruud stood one set away from making it through to his maiden Grand Slam final.
After going two sets down, Khachanov upped the ante and produced a decisive break when Ruud was serving to stay in the set. It was a valiant effort from the 27th-seeded Russian, who forced a fourth set.
Ruud earned an early break to seize the initiative in the fourth set and from there on, he didn’t look back and closed out the set and match.
Khachanov had to save three match points in the eighth game of the fourth set, but he failed save even one. Ruud held his serve to get past the finishing line.
Khachanov came into the semis after beating Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinal, but Ruud turned out to be too hot to handle for him.
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