World No.1 Novak Djokovic is inching closer to his first title of 2024 at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters as he takes on Norway’s Casper Ruud in the semifinals on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic came into Monte-Carlo with an 8-3 match record for the season and no titles. And this time it’s not because of travel bans or other extra-tennis drama. It’s simply that the Serb has been just a little off the boil. He was diabolical against Jannik Sinner in the semis of the Australian Open, but it was Djokovic’s loss to world No. 123 Luca Nardi in Indian Wells that really raised eyebrows.
Still, Djokovic has been efficient this week. The world No. 1 had fairly tidy wins over Roman Safiullin, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur to earn his spot in the semifinals. That he faces Casper Ruud as his semifinal opponent can only be considered favorable for the 36-year-old. Djokovic has a 5-0 record over Ruud, although none of the matches have been legitimate blowouts.
Ruud has had a good–if not spectacular–start to the year. Like Djokovic, the world No. 10 is without a title so far. He got close in the final in Acapulco, but he was dismissed by De Minaur. Ruud is by far the best clay-court player of Djokovic’s opponents this week. The Norwegian has made two French Open finals (lost to Djokovic and Rafael Nadal) and nine of his 10 career titles have come on the dirt.
While Djokovic must be considered the favorite in this match, Ruud might at least get a whiff at the upset win. The top seed hasn’t really been tested, and while Ruud rarely wins when he’s not “supposed” to, he might at least come close on Saturday.
Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3
Ricky pick: Ruud in 3
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