Interactive Forum May 2025: Casper Ruud

[jeffreycounts]

Casper Ruud: Sequences

For this month’s issue, we have some stunning footage from Sean O'Neil of Caper Ruud, who unexpectedly won the Madrid Open last week. Casper reached the final without dropping a set, and produced one of the best performances of his career to defeat Jack Draper in the fnal.

To me, Ruud is an extremely flexible and explosive hitter. But watching this footage I was surprised at how much extension he gets on both his forehand and backhand. On his forehand, if you focus on this right elbow from contact on you can see how much he drives his upper arm through the ball. Almost like a reverse finish with the high elbow. And the backhand extension is really impressive as well.

What do you guys see and who was surprised that Ruud played lights out in Madrid?

[jimlosaltos]

Ruud's footwork is so good. That's one thing that stood out to me from his first Master's title this Sunday.
He, along with Tsitsipas, runs around his forehand more than anyone on the ATP. To do that against Draper takes real commitment and footwork.
Seems to most always create enough room to do that extension you mentioned.

As for your question, no I didn't know he'd finally get his first, big title but Ruud has been working to substantially change his game ( citing how the deader, post-Covid tennis balls have changed the ATP ) for some time and it's as if all those changes came together at once.

Then again, Draper was perhaps two swings from winning in straight sets. Such is life atop the ATP

[stroke]

Draper is top tier. I do think his physique is just too far from ideal to win RG, somewhat a slightly more ideal than say Berrenttini, but not good for thecwar of attritionon clay. Casper has the physique and work ethic. He may someday win IMO the toughest Major to win in tennis, RG. Berrenttini and Draper are just big guys, 200 pounds or more.