Casper Ruud jokingly tells Alex de Minaur to ‘not return to Acapulco’ after losing the finals to the Australian

The Norwegian was aiming for his maiden ATP-500 title, but the Aussie's fantastic performance extended the wait for Ruud.

Casper Ruud jokingly tells Alex de Minaur to ‘not return to Acapulco’ after losing the finals to the Australian

Casper Ruud and Alex de Minaur (Image via IMAGO)

World No. 11 Casper Ruud had to settle for the runner-up trophy at the 2024 Acapulco Open. The sixth seed was looking to clinch his 11th Tour title. But defending champ Alex de Minaur put on a splendid performance to deny Ruud his maiden title of the season.

The Aussie who is ranked No. 9 in the ATP singles rankings, won the finals 6-4, 6-4. With his only other ATP-500 title coming in Acapulco last year, he matches it with his win over Ruud. With this loss, Ruud’s career record in finals now stands at 10-10. 

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The Norwegian was looking to win his first title other than the ATP 250s. It was his first appearance in an ATP-500 event, despite being a three-time Grand Slam runner-up. But as luck would have it, he remains winless in any finals other than the ATP 250 so far. 

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Ruud was seen distraught after the finals as he took a moment on the player’s bench. But when it came to the on-court interview, he was all class. As he received the runners-up trophy, he spoke highly of de Minaur before taking a slight dig against him to leave everyone in splits. 

First of all, let’s start with Alex, fantastic playing all week. Too good today. Too good every night. Seems like you’re enjoying Acapulco quite well. I guess you’ll come back next year. I hope not. The last 6 months have been fantastic for you and very deserved.
Said Ruud.

Casper Ruud wins over the Acapulco crowd in a special address

With Hurricane Otis striking the Mexican coasts in October 2023, the city of Acapulco suffered horrible damage. Even the tournament site had been damaged, along with many residential complexes. This saw former champ Rafael Nadal send his good wishes to the city. 

Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud (Image via IMAGO)

But the tournament has done a splendid job of restoring everything and seeing the tournament play smoothly. Ruud was quick to acknowledge this during his speech. He thanked the people for coming together to arrange the tournament while also cheering for all the players. 

The city and people of Acapulco... I know there was tragedy here a few months ago. It’s been fantastic to see people cheerful and enjoying something here. You’re doing a great job rebuilding the city and the structure.
Said Ruud. 
The people seem like they have their mindset in a positive way. Thank you for coming out every night. Especially tonight, to celebrate some tennis. I hope you enjoyed watching all the players compete this week. Thank you very much.
Added the Norwegian.

Having started the season outside the ATP Top-10, the runner-up finish in Acapulco takes Ruud back into the Top 10. He is expected to rise two places and will become the new World No. 9 when the rankings are expected on Monday, March 4, 2024. 

He will next feature at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. With two hard-court runner-up finishes so far this season with a win-loss record of 13-3, the Norwegian will be confident for a deep run.

His best finish at the tournament so far has been his fourth-round run back in 2021. He lost in the third round in both the 2022 and 2023 editions.

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