The semi-final showdown between Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud unveiled high levels of intensity for the fans. The Serb, who found himself helpless as the 25-year-old managed to gain a lead right from the initial phase of the match, was filled with anger and rage as he faced an unexpected outcome.

The disturbances started to show up as the Serb lost his cool after multiple failures in getting his first serve right. Despite winning the second set, he was broken early in the third and never really led in the decider. He was running in fumes for the better part of it but one such moment was a standout.

The match was on serve in the decider when Novak’s momentum was disrupted by a fan. He ended up shanking the forehand and losing the point. This flooded his mind with frustration, and therefore the 36-year-old lashed out at one of the fans, screaming, “Shut the f*** up!”

Although it was clearly an act that could be regarded as unsportsmanlike conduct, the Serb was lucky enough to not get into the radar of the umpire, thereby walking out of the court with disappointment on his face.

This wasn’t the only moment when Djokovic raised his voice as a result of his rage. During the second set, the Serb was unable to seek stability as he continued to fail in his first served, continuously. Finding the outcome hard to believe for himself, the Serb turned towards his box to scream, “Porca miseria”, giving out a clear hint of his uncontrolled emotions.

While the aggression led him to a disappointing defeat, it marked an end to his run for the title, propelling Ruud towards the final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Casper Ruud earns his ‘day to remember for a long time’

Besides a major setback for Novak Djokovic, the match brought immense excitement for Casper Ruud as he defeated the world no. 1 for the first time in his career. The crucial situation became another reason for him to celebrate, as was clearly visible in his post-victory speech.

“Just super happy. This is a day I’ll remember for a really long time.. Beating a world #1 is something I’ve never done.. beating Novak.. Something I’ve never done. Very very happy,” he said, expressing his happiness to be one of the few young names who have defeated the Serb lately.

Along with that, he also found himself in a state of shock because of the moment when he finally managed to take control in the second set. “A little bit in a state of shock right now. I was up in the 3rd and then he came back. Kind of typical how good these guys are under pressure,” he added.

As the 25-year-old looks forward to the upcoming opportunity, it still remains to be seen if this confidence will help him crack the final level of the event.