“Not sure if it bothered him,” Casper Ruud admits to obvious advantage over Gael Monfils as he establishes dominance over the French ATP stalwart

Casper Ruud secures a great victory against Monfils to book a quarter-final spot.

“Not sure if it bothered him,” Casper Ruud admits to obvious advantage over Gael Monfils as he establishes dominance over the French ATP stalwart

Casper Ruud (via Imago)

Another exciting matchup at the 2024 Indian Wells came to an end as Casper Ruud beat Gael Monfils in an exciting three-setter clash. Speaking about the advantage of lesser game time, the Norwegian set up his place in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells. 

Ruud started his 2024 season great, landing in two ATP finals after a decent Australian Open run. Continuing the run, he beat the in-form Gael Monfils, who was fresh off victories against some top ATP players. 

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Coming back from a set down, the Norwegian kept his calm and pushed through in the second and third sets to win the game. He beat Monfils in a three-setter clash that got the fans on the edge of their seats. 

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Physically Gael is so strong anyways so I’m not sure if it bothered him. But I felt physically good and ready. Really tough 2nd set that fortunately went my way.
Said Ruud in the post-match interview. 

Speaking about the time on the court, Ruud revealed that he played a 1 hour and 20-minute match, while Monfils was off a three-hour game. Despite such a long game, the Frenchman fought to take the match to the last set. He will now face the American Tommy Paul for a spot in the last four, as another thriller is coming up. 

A physically fit Casper Ruud turns the tide after last year’s disappointing run at the Indian Wells

With 2024 came an improved Casper Ruud, who has gained a lot of confidence since the Australian Open. Trying to perform well in both singles and doubles, Ruud is making the most of his good form. 

Capser Ruud
Casper Ruud (via Imago)

He started well at the Indian Wells and beat Monfils to enter the quarterfinals. Notably, this was contrary to his last year in the desert. That was one forgetful Indian Wells for the Norwegian, who had lost in the second round of the tournament. 

Redeeming himself, the 25-year-old has done better in this year’s edition. Now, Ruud is up against a familiar opponent, Tommy Paul. Ruud hasn’t lost a match against the American in over four years. With the same confidence, he looks to seal his spot in the last four and advance one step closer to another master’s title. 

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