Casper Ruud is a promising young tennis player, and his impressive performances in recent months helped him climb to No. 2 in the world in singles. He made history as the first Norwegian to win an ATP singles title when he won the Argentina Open in 2020. Since then, he has secured nine ATP Tour championships, and has only reached greater heights on the Tour in the past two years. The former American player, John McEnroe, had a few things to say about the Norwegian’s form of late and personality after his semifinal victory at the US Open.

Earlier this year, he lost against Rafael Nadal in the Roland Garros final and suffered the same fate against another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, in the Miami Masters final.

McEnroe analyzes Ruud’s game

McEnroe thinks it’s great how much work Ruud puts into his game. ?He is amazing, he is humble,? winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, told Eurosport in an interview. He continued, saying that Ruud had spent a lot of time at Nadal’s academy over the past few years, where he got to see the ‘King of Clay’ play.

“He is not going to light the stadium on fire. He does not have the charisma of Carlos Alcaraz or Frances Tiafoe, but he is a credit to our game. He is extremely solid, he works hard. He has spent a lot of time the last few years at Nadal’s academy, watching the way he does his thing. That has helped him to realise he had to do even more,” he added.

Also, it is an interesting dynamic with Ruud’s father being his coach and a former pro, to be so involved in that. This has worked out so well for the player. But, he is of the opinion that he isn?t as flamboyant as his counterparts in Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe.

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Ruud was able to win just six games against Nadal in the French Open final. McEnroe claimed he was terrified at the prospect of playing the Spaniard on the clay courts where the latter excelled. This was a major factor in his disastrous loss against Nadal in straight sets, 6-3 6-3 6-0.

Crests and troughs in the development of Casper Ruud

After reaching the final of the French Open, despite performing inconsistently, he now appears to be at the top of his game. After eliminating Karen Khachanov in four sets, he advanced to the final of the US Open and was considered a serious contender to win the tournament.

In contrast, Ruud lost the Miami Masters final to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Although Ruud couldn’t beat the Spaniard and win his first Grand Slam title, this will be a season to remember for the Norwegian rising star.

Can Ruud capitalize on this season and win his first major title in 2023? Let us know in the comments.

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