Top seed Casper Ruud has emerged as a standout player at the ATP 250 clay-court event, the Millennium Estoril Open, by seamlessly advancing to the semi-finals following a convincing victory over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, with an impressive score of 6-3, 6-2.
The Norwegian player is fervently chasing after his first title since his triumph at the Estoril championship match last year. Ruud showcased his dominance on the court by triumphantly winning 82 per cent (28/34) of his first-serve points, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats. His exceptional performance facilitated a swift victory in just 68 minutes of play.
In a recent interview, Ruud expressed his contentment with the win, acknowledging Fucsovics’ past stellar performances and conveying his delight in seeking retribution from their prior encounter. Additionally, he conveyed his excitement about advancing to the semi-finals without exerting excessive effort on the court, affording him additional time for recuperation.
Ruud has experienced considerable success on clay, securing nine of his 10 tour-level titles on this surface. His recent triumph over Fucsovics further validates his impeccable record, particularly his 8-0 standing against players outside the Top 50 in the PIF ATP Rankings this year. Moving forward, Ruud is poised to compete against Pedro Martinez, who earned his place in the semi-finals after defeating French lucky loser Richard Gasquet.
Another prominent contender leaving his mark on the tournament is second seed Hubert Hurkacz, who accomplished his first tour-level clay-court semi-final with a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory against Spaniard Pablo Llamas Ruiz. Hurkacz’s flawless performance, successfully saving all eight break points he encountered, underscores his mastery on the court.
Both players are set to confront formidable adversaries in the upcoming matches, as Martinez, Garin, and other notable contenders vie for triumph at the esteemed Millennium Estoril Open.
As the intensity of competition escalates at the Estoril Open, tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the enthralling semi-finals and the eventual coronation of the champion. With the remarkable displays of skill by players such as Ruud and Hurkacz, the stage is set for a captivating conclusion to this esteemed ATP 250 tournament.