Rio Open, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ATP 500

[mrzz]

Hope that Ruud´s run ends today, as he plays Monteiro. I saw his match against Dutra Silva, and pieces of the match against Carballes Baena. It is a good player, both matches were close. I do not think he has the firepower to deal with Monteiro´s heavy forehand, but Monteiro is playing at home, starting to get the results and the pressure surely is rising.

 

[isabelle]

It is worth pointing out that it is the scaling down of smaller events that basically lost Novak the #1 ranking. Novak accrued more points in big events (Slams/Masters/WTF) than Andy, but Andy pushed past due to winning a bunch of ATP 500s.

I've just read that Novak has asked for a special invitation (WC) in Acapulco and it seems he is going to play there

yes he'll play

 

[bajana]

Casper Ruud seems to be having a micro-breakthrough. A true breakthrough requires either a title, a second week Slam run, or defeating a top 10 opponent, but I'm pleased with what I'm seeing, considering that he is just 18 a couple months ago. Now #168 in live rankings - a real candidate for the top 100 well before his 19th birthday (December).

That December birthday is quite - demoralising - for me. It's the 22nd, I'm the 23rd, and that's fine. But then I checked yesterday and found he was born 50 years after I was. Jeez - talk about suddenly feeling older than dirt!!! :exclamation:

Anyway, I've been looking for someone to spark the kind of early 1998 involvement I started with Fed, and I think this rudeboy is it. Hope he doesn't put his fans through the kind of handwringing, hairpulling 5 years Fed did before he got fully on track

 

[herios]

Hope that Ruud´s run ends today, as he plays Monteiro. I saw his match against Dutra Silva, and pieces of the match against Carballes Baena. It is a good player, both matches were close. I do not think he has the firepower to deal with Monteiro´s heavy forehand, but Monteiro is playing at home, starting to get the results and the pressure surely is rising.

I think Monteiro will prevail, unless he will be too nervous. He is clearly improving, and he is a tougher opponent than Dutra-Silva or Carballes-Baena were for Ruud.
Nonetheless, this Norwegian young player is an intriguing prospect. Who would think of an outstanding talent could come out of that country of all places. They do excel in skiing, biathlon, or other winter sports. But never heard of a good tennis player.

 

[El Dude]

Monteiro is simply more developed, and I think has a good chance of being seeded by the time we get to the US Open (that is, top 30-40ish). Ruud is just 18 and not yet in the top 150. He just broke into the top 200 recently. If Ruud wins, I'll be surprised.

 

[britbox]

Quarter Finals in Rio

2-Dominic Thiem (Austria) beat Diego Schwartzman (Argentina) 6-2 6-3
5-Albert Ramos (Spain) beat Nicolas Kicker (Argentina) 6-2 6-3
4-Pablo Carreno (Spain) beat Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukraine) 7-6(4) 6-7(2) 1-0 (Dolgopolov retired)

Monteiro and Rudd out there to decide the last semi-final place.

 

[britbox]

Monteiro just beats Bellucci in a Brazilian classic. Bellucci is still a better all round player, but Monteiro has a very good clay game. The winner now gets Casper Ruud, so a very good chance to make the semis (I saw him play, he has good potential, but he is not quite there yet).

Dolgopolov Zeballos was a very good match. I repeat what I wrote after Buenos Aires. Dolgopolov is a very dangerous dark horse in any masters from now on. He found a forehand, and it is a powerful one.

Any news on the Dolgo retirement @mrzz?

 

[Moxie]

TC is mostly showing the Raonic v Edmund match, but the highlights show Ruud in charge, so far.

 

[El Dude]

Ruud won. Wow. He's now up to #133 in the live rankings - quite impressive for an 18-year old. I'll have to do some research on that...

Anyhow, up next is Pablo Carreno Busta - a tall order. If he gets by him, he'll face the winner of Vinolas-Thiem in the final. Getting to the final gets him to the verge of the top 100; winning it, gets him into the 60s. Regardless, reaching #133ish is impressive enough.

 

[Moxie]

Would be rather fascinating if we got a Thiem-Ruud final. Anyway, decent good clay-courters in the SFs.

 

[isabelle]

Thiem should win that

 

[Carol]

Sorry for the Ruud followers but I would rather to watch a Thiem-Carreno final, I like how this last one is playing

 

[herios]

Ruud run here is really remarkable. I tuned in only at the end of the match to see the TB.
When I saw Casper Ruud's face, he looks like a cross between Azarenka and Bernie Tomic.
If those would have a boy, he would look like Casper.

 

[Puppet Master]

What is Casper's game like? I wasn't able to watch his matches in Rio. Someone mentioned him being an all courter. I am getting sick of all the counter punchers and pushers on tour, but if he is an all courter, boy oh boy.
I will try to find some highlights.

 

[El Dude]

I just watched a few highlights of his match with Monteiro. It wasn't really enough to go on, but I was a bit...underwhelmed. He just seemed to be all defense, hitting the ball back, waiting for Monteiro to error. He also seemed to hit the ball softly.

But again, it was just a one-minute clip on Youtube so I'm not going to solidify my view of him.

 

[herios]

I just watched a few highlights of his match with Monteiro. It wasn't really enough to go on, but I was a bit...underwhelmed. He just seemed to be all defense, hitting the ball back, waiting for Monteiro to error. He also seemed to hit the ball softly.

But again, it was just a one-minute clip on Youtube so I'm not going to solidify my view of him.

Isn't how Rafa came up as a teenager, defending everything?

 

[herios]

After only 3 games into the SF match, I can say that Ruud is VERY SOLID for a player his age.
He could have a brilliant career ahead of him. Stay tuned.

 

[Front242]

After only 3 games into the SF match, I can say that Ruud is VERY SOLID for a player his age.
He could have a brilliant career ahead of him. Stay tuned.

Just started watching when you posted this. Looks excellent alright. Personally can't stand Carrena-Busta so hope Ruud boy kicks his hairy hole.

 

[Frode789]

Ruud is up 5-2 in first set!

*EDIT: Breaks again and wins first set 6-2! Wow color me impressed by this 18 year old Norwegian kid!

 

[Front242]

Seems like Ruud boy has great tennis IQ. Great game for clay.