Ruud completes Geneva hat-trick

Casper Ruud efficiently handled a double workload on Saturday, playing both a semi-final and a final to win his third title at the Geneva Open.

The Norwegian was forced into double duty after rain forced a sem-final cancellation on Saturday.

But he came out firing less than 24 hours later to clinch the 12th title of his career, beating Czech Tomas Machac 7-5, 6-3 for the trophy after accounting for Flavio Cobelli 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the semis.

It was a tough match, I’m sorry to Tomas,” Ruud said. “He played well and deserved to win the first set.. But things are not always fair.”

The ATP No. 7 who has figured in five finals this season added: “I’m feeling good with my game.

“It was a challenging week – especially with the weather.  But all matches are tough.

“It is fantastic to win again in Geneva,” he said of the 250 event he won in 2021 and 2022.

He made a narrow escape in the first set, with the opponent who knocked out world No. 1 Novak Djokovic here double-faulting on a set point.

Victory took just over one and three-quarter hours in welcome sunshine, with Ruud now heading to Paris and the French Open with an added confidence boost.

The Scandinavian leads the ATP with 34 match wins this season.

Main photo:-Casper Ruud winning in Geneva – by ATPTour.com