A very bizarre match was played today at Rome Masters quarterfinals between Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud.
Sinner smoked the recent champion of Madrid Masters by a decisive 6061 scoreline.
But the curious, if not suspicious element of the drama was the reaction by the Norwegian, currently ranked no. 7, after absorbing the brutal beatdown.
“It doesn’t feel so bad,” said the former world no 2. “Honestly, I think it was more fun than anything, even though I lost 0 and 1. You just look at the guy and say: ‘Wow, this is kind of next level shit.’ It was almost fun to witness at the same time.”
It’s the first time in tennis history that the recipient of a 60 61 found the silver lining of such a one-sided drubbing while also smiling and laughing after watching and making no effort to play Sinner’s final return on the match point, which was certainly playable and just a couple of steps away.
Who knows. Tennis may have a corruption problem or we are living in some kind of tennis twilight zone episode.
Sinner is now in the semifinals and will face Tommy Paul. Warning to all bettors: Be very very careful if you want to wager against Sinner making the final.
Capser Ruud · Jannik Sinner · Rome Masters
catherine · May 16, 2025 at 12:53 am
I think it’s more likely Sinner is now floating in a stratosphere of his own, out of reach of mere mortals.
On an opposite note – some of the women seem to have played very badly in Italy. I don’t know if it’s the surface, the conditions or what. Used to be the balls, but that’s changed.
Anyway, Rome has seldom been a happy hunting ground for women players.
Steve · May 16, 2025 at 3:34 am
Sinner played out of his mind. It just so happens Ruud is the nicest guy on tour and has no bitterness in his heart.
He is also a former winner of the Edberg Sportsmanship Award which is peer selected for “conduct, professionalism, and integrity”.
I love a good conspiracy but Sinner was just in the zone at the moment.
catherine · May 16, 2025 at 5:45 am
I think it was simpler than that. Ruud knew he was beaten by one of the future, if not present, great players of the game and all he could do was admire. Like an amateur painter viewing a Rembrandt.
No need for suspicions. Sometimes what is, is.
Sinner doesn’t have great charisma but you can’t have everything.
Scoop Malinowski · May 16, 2025 at 7:27 am
That’s possible Steve but the smile and chuckle by Ruud after and the non effort on that last return, which was reachable looked strange. But you’re right, maybe Sinner is just too good right now, with or without clostebol and whatever else the clostebol masks.
Scoop Malinowski · May 16, 2025 at 7:28 am
Catherine, your attitude is commendable. Let’s see if Paul gives a better effort.
Steve · May 16, 2025 at 7:24 pm
I enjoy Paolini’s game. Great strokes, balance and personality.
Scoop Malinowski · May 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I do to, I still remember the first time seeing her play on TV about five years ago, before anybody knew her. Probably ranked around 80 but nice athlete and scrapper. She stood out in some way I can’t express but didn’t give any impression that she would become an elite player which she is now. Not the kind of young player that makes you talk about them or buzz and hype them. But still remember seeing her, remembering her name and wondering if she had the goods to be big time.
Steve · May 17, 2025 at 12:50 pm
She did it!!! Just like 5’6″ Justine Henin defeated giants with beautiful timing & technique & incredible movement we have an Italian champion in Rome.
Reminds me of the classic film Breaking Away “The Italians are coming! The Italians are coming!” Can’t wawit for the US Open this year.
Scoop Malinowski · May 17, 2025 at 2:36 pm
She’s a special player and ultimate fighter. She is a winning machine. She had Coco’s number.
Steve · May 18, 2025 at 1:21 pm
Carlos won today with his amazing improvisational skills around the net. I’ve never seen someone so comfortable in all areas of the court, even no-man’s land, other than Rod Laver. He’s also inventing new shots, a squash shot that’s also a drop shot. I’ll have to try that one. 🙂
I think they mentioned Rios was the last guy to win all three clay Masters 1000s. Madrid, Monte Carlo & Rome. Guga did it too so they said.
Scoop Malinowski · May 18, 2025 at 8:42 pm
Thanks for the report Steve, I was busy today and didn’t see a point. But I have an instinctive impulse to avoid watching Sinner now. Good for Carlos. It’s always nice to see this kid win. Rios did not win all three of those titles on clay in the same year. Nor did Guga.