Casper Ruud pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters semifinal, setting up a showdown against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. Ruud’s victory marked his first win against Djokovic, who double-faulted on match point, sealing his first-ever loss to the Norwegian player.
In the other semifinal, Tsitsipas battled past a resilient Jannik Sinner, handing the Australian Open champion only his second defeat of the season. Despite facing a tiring opponent, Tsitsipas showcased his resilience and determination to secure the win.
The match was not short of drama, with Djokovic expressing frustration towards someone in the crowd and a tense moment with the chair umpire. However, it was Ruud who capitalized on Djokovic’s errors, clinching victory in a tightly contested deciding set.
Meanwhile, Sinner’s performance was hindered by a medical timeout for a right knee and thigh issue, allowing Tsitsipas to seize control and ultimately emerge victorious.
Among the spectators were notable figures like Zendaya and Josh O’Connor, adding to the excitement of the event. Tsitsipas enjoyed strong support from the crowd, thanks to his past successes at the tournament.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between Ruud and Tsitsipas, both eager to claim their first title of the year and add to their overall tally. With both players in top form, tennis fans can expect an exhilarating showdown on the courts of Monte Carlo.