Coach reflects on Casper Ruud’s Major final losses to Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz
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Coach Pedro Clar suggested that several factors impacted why Casper Ruud felt so overwhelmed in the French Open final versus Rafael Nadal. This year, Ruud made two Grand Slam finals and achieved a career-high ranking of No 2 in the world.
In his first Grand Slam final at the French Open, Ruud suffered a 6-3 6-3 6-0 defeat to Nadal. At the US Open, Ruud picked up a 6-4 2-6 7-6 (1) 6-3 loss in the final to Alcaraz. Both Ruud and Alcaraz had two things on the line in the US Open – they were playing for their maiden Grand Slam title and the No 1 ranking.
Even though Ruud didn’t win a Grand Slam or become the world No 1 this year, coach Clar is more than happy with the Norwegian’s year.
Coach Clar on Ruud’s season and Grand Slam final losses to Nadal, Alcaraz
“It’s the dream year.
Last season ended very well, but we thought it could be improved. That’s why we train. We knew that the margin was smaller, that it would be more difficult. And it has been overcome. It’s been a very, very good year. Playing the first Grand Slam final with Rafa at Roland Garros, it is the most difficult challenge you can face as a player.
It was the first and perhaps it impacted him to have Nadal in front of him. He couldn’t be himself or play his tennis. At the US Open it went from less to more in the tournament. The last few rounds he was playing very well.
In the final, Carlos [Alcaraz] was at a great level and we knew what we were up against. The two were playing a lot in that match for everything that was at stake, title and number one in the world,” Clar told the ATP Tour website.
Now, Ruud is competing at the ATP Finals, where he made the semifinal a year ago. It remains to be seen if Ruud can make another deep run at the prestigious season-ending tournament.
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Source : tennisworldusa
