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Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud: ATP Monte Carlo – semifinal
In a rematch of last year’s Roland Garros final, Novak Djokovic will take on Casper Ruud in the semifinal of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Novak Djokovic Profile
Novak Djokovic is having an excellent week in Monte Carlo. The world No. 1 is 11-3 for the season and 3-0 on clay courts.
He is coming off a 7-5, 6-4 win against Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinal. Previously, the Serbian won 7-5, 6-3 win against Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16 and 6-2, 6-1 against Roman Safiullin 6-1, 6-2 in the second round.
Djokovic has yet to win a title this season, and this is only the fourth tournament he will play in 2024. H reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, lost in the third round at Indian Wells, and had a 2-1 record at the United Cup.
He made his debut in Monte Carlo in 2006 and won the titles in 2013 and 2015.
Casper Ruud Profile
Casper Ruud is tenth in the ATP rankings, and his career high was No. 2 in the world. The Norwegian is 23-7 for the season and 5-1 on clay courts.
He is coming off a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win over Ugo Humbert in the quarterfinals. Previously, he defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-2, and Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-4.
Ruud has made two finals so far in the season but has lost both in Acapulco to Alex de Minaur and in Los Cabos to Jordan Thompson.
This is his fifth appearance in Monte Carlo and his second semifinal since he made it this far in 2021.
Head-to-Head – Djokovic leads 5-0
- Djokovic vs Ruud 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 (2023 Roland Garros, final)
- Djokovic vs Ruud 7-5, 6-3 (2022 ATP Masters Cup, final)
- Djokovic vs Ruud 6-4, 6-3 (2022 ATP Rome, semifinal)
- Djokovic vs Ruud 7-6, 6-2 (2021 ATP Masters Cup)
- Djokovic vs Ruud 7-5, 6-3 (2020 ATP Rome, semifinal)
Prediction and Conclusion
Both players are having a solid week in Monte Carlo and will play their fourth match against each other on clay courts. Djokovic has won all five of their previous matches on any surface without dropping a set against Ruud. It is a fact that neither of them is playing as well as they did last season, but the gap is still there, meaning that Djokovic will win this one in straight sets and get a chance to win his third title in Monte Carlo.
