Monte Carlo: Ruud upsets Djokovic in semifinal, will face Tsitsipas for title

The Norwegian won a rematch of the 2023 French Open final after losing to the world number-one Serb in five previous matches. Djokovic was bidding for a 59th final at the Masters level.

Norway’s Casper Ruud embraces Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning his semi-final match. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Casper Ruud stunned top seed Novak Djokovic 6-4 1-6 6-4 in a thrilling Monte Carlo Masters semifinal on Saturday, avenging his loss in last year’s French Open final to set up a title clash with twice champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Greek Tsitsipas upset second seed Jannik Sinner 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the first semifinal.

Norwegian Ruud, who had lost to Djokovic in all five of their previous matches, broke twice early in the first set before the Serbian record 24-times Grand Slam champion fought back strongly in the second.

Eighth seed Ruud held his nerve, however, as five unforced errors from Djokovic allowed him to go 3-0 up in the decider, and he calmly closed out the victory.

“This is a day I will remember for a long time. Beating a world number one is something I have never done,” Ruud said in a post-match interview.

“You know how good these guys are under pressure... he saved so many break points. I was praying, please, let it be a double fault or something. And maybe someone was listening.”