Ruud remains undefeated in Gstaad

Casper Ruud returned from an injury layoff to pick up where he left off on his preferred clay, with the Norwegian producing his ninth straight match win at Swiss Open Gstaad on Wednesday.

The top Scandinavian and former world No. 2 who has struggled with knee problems and missed the grass season and Wimbledon as a result made an efficient return to form in the Alps with a 7-5, 7-6 (6) defeat of local Dominic Stricker.

Tournament No. 1 Ruud last competed six weeks ago, losing in the Roland Garros second round while carrying a knee problem.

He took time away to heal and chose the event which he won in 2021 and 2022 to make a return.

“It was a very tough match, I lost to him before in Switzerland (Basel, 2023),” the winner said.

“Of course I was seeking revenge, but he’s a good young player who’s aggressive and fearless.

“I had to be on my game from the beginning. I’m happy to be back – this was a very important win for me.”

With weather turning from summery and hot to somewhat unsettled, the man from the north was unaffected by wind and somewhat lower temperatures.

“I’m used to this, we have it and more in Norway – even snow.

“But it’s beautiful here, I have a few more days to prepare for my next match. I feel really good playing here in Gstaad even if the altitude makes the ball fly.

“Every match I win helps in building confidence.”

Ruud sent over nine aces and broke Stricker twice in the one-hour., 45-minute victory.