“Clay merchant is being exposed,” Casper Ruud called out for his poor performances on hard court after losing in Miami

Casper Ruud's journey in the Sunsine Doubles ended with a loss against Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the Miami Open.

“Clay merchant is being exposed,” Casper Ruud called out for his poor performances on hard court after losing in Miami

Casper Ruud (Image Credit: The Times of India)

After a successful last season, it was expected that Casper Ruud would win many ATP titles and even a Major this year. However, nothing has gone his way till now in this season. The finalist at both Roland Garros and US Open and runner-up in the ATP Finals is struggling to find form and rhythm.

The latest setback came in the Miami Open , where he was knocked out in the second round of this tournament after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 4-6, 4-6. It is hard to take since 12 months earlier, he played the final here against Carlos Alcaraz and lost 5-7, 4-6.

YouTube video

Eminent sports journalist Jose Morgado shared his thoughts on the match and the Norwegian’s performance on social media.

FS Video

“Wow. Botic Van de Zandschulp comes back from 1-3 down in the 3rd set to beat #4 Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the last 16 in Miami. Ruud, runner up in 2022, is outside of the top 80 (!) in the ATP Race. 2/15 on break points today…,” the caption read.

Meanwhile, Botic van de Zandschulp will face Emil Ruusuvuori in the next round. He has also paired with Mackenzie McDonald and will be taking on Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski in the second-round of the doubles discipline in the Miami Open.

Keep Exploring: “Step in the right direction,” Martina Navratilova backs the ban on trans athletes in women’s events

Social media reacts on Casper Ruud’s loss in Miami

Casper Ruud (Image Credit: Tennis-Infinity.com)
Casper Ruud (Image Credit: Tennis-Infinity.com)

The World No.3 is finding it difficult to set his foot on the hard court surface. Since he has started this season, he has found it difficult to win. He has won only 4 out of 9 matches that he has played this season until now in various tournaments. The bad run-in form this season started with first-round exit from ASB Classic tournament against Laslo Dere.

Casper Ruud then participated in the Australian Open but lost to unseeded Jenson Brooksby in the second-round of the tournament. Since then he failed to advance beyond the second-round in any of the tournaments he participated in- Mexican Open, Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open. Hence, questions are being raised on his abilities.

Many social media users have noted the Norwegian’s failing record on the hard surface this season. Many have also criticized him for his inability to win the match after being in a commanding position. However, some are hopeful that he can find his form on clay. Here are a few reactions that came in.

“And to think that Ruud had the ball to have 3/0 and serve in the third. How long does his phase last… See how he does on clay,” the caption read in English (Translated through Google Translate).

Casper Ruud will hope that he will perform better in the upcoming tennis tournaments that will be played on the clay courts. Also, his record on clay is better. Hence, it will help him to salvage his season and earn precious ranking points.

In case you missed it:

“It hurt a little,” Caroline Garcia on poor form in 2023 season after a first-round exit at Miami Open

“She doesn’t demand attention,” Chris Evert compares Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu’s brand endorsement post winning a Major