Ruud completes final four with defeat of Rublev

Casper Ruud booked a final four spot at the ATP Finals for the third time on Friday with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win which left opponent Andrey Rublev nursing another year-end hangover.

The Norwegian went out in the Turin final in 2022 to Novak Djokovic and stalled in the semis at the previous edition against Daniil Medvedev.

Ruud stood 2-5 going in against Rublev – a last-minute qualifier into the eight-man season wrapup field like himself – but has now defeated his rival all three times they have played here in the finale.

The Scandinavian took the opening set in 36 minutes to statistically cement his semi-final place alongside Alexander Zverev, who beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (5), 6-4 earlier.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz booked their spots on Thursday.

Ruud will face Sinner Saturday night while Fritz plays Zverev.

Rublev became the first player since Guillmermo Coria (2004-2005) to lose six straight group matches at the season wrapup – three each for the past two editions.

Ruud dropped the second set but roared back in the third, finishing off the match on his first match point after one and three-quarter hours.

“I was serving well, I will need it tomorrow, Ruud said of his semi-final test against Sunner.

“It’s tough to play the best in the world,  but it’s also a nice feeling, even being the underdog – you can play free.

“I’ve had three good matches this week, but I don’t know what I’m doing better (than in recent weeks).”

The Norwegian said he had qualification on his mind as he stepped onto the court.

“I knew I needed to win one set so I was a bit nervous, But once i did it, I relaxed and breathed out.  

“There is no doubt that Sinner is the best in the world this year. He’s at home and has not lost a set. 

“I’ll do my best but this guy has almost forgotten how to lose.

“I hope to challenge him, I’ll have to be prepared for probably the toughest match of the season.”

Main photo:- Casper Ruud celebrates making the final four -by ISF Ltd