By Scoop Malinowski
Casper Ruud defeated Holger Rune in four sets 61 46 76 63 to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal and the Roland Garros “Battle of the Scandinavians” has turned into a cold war.
The 19 year old Rune was heavily criticized for his unsportsmanlike behavior during the match, for repeatedly questioning line calls, constant chatter to his box and unpleasantly offensive demeanor. A former ATP pro even texted me during the match to express alarm about Rune’s on court conduct, which he described as “super-hyper as if he’s on something.”
“He looks like he can snap at any moment.”
“He’s yelling bluntly at his box sometimes.”
The match was so abrasive and extraordinarily jarring that a second former pro, a former WTA top ten player also texted me during the match to vent her reactions against Rune and support for Ruud.
“I love Casper, such a great attitude. That handshake by Rune was atrocious. It pisses me off when you can’t be a proper loser.”
“Rune is annoying, too cocky. This Danish asshole is hateful. For sure I’ll root against him every time.”
23 year old Ruud, ranked 8, won the match in four tight sets, for his fourth career ATP match win vs the 40th ranked Rune (2021 Monte Carlo 62 61; 2021 Bastad 60 62; 2022 Monte Carlo 75 76). The two rival players had a very brief, but ice cold handshake which provoked a head shake of disgust from Ruud.
Apparently the on court drama carried over into the locker room after the match, depending on which combatant’s account you decide to believe.
After the match Rune claimed he was shocked after Ruud yelled in his face in the locker room: “He and his team had to pass by me. His team was actually very nice, but then he just goes straight to me and shouts ‘JAAAA’ straight up in my face.” (via Ekstra Bladet)
Casper’s dad and coach Christian Ruud said Rune’s accusations are a lie.
Because there are always three sides to every story – the one, the other and then the TRUTH – it’s still not yet known at this moment what the truth of this Ruud vs Rune confrontation really is.
But the fact of the matter is Casper Ruud has reached his first Grand Slam semifinal where he will meet Marin Cilic. Ruud leads the head to head series vs the 33 year old 23rd ranked Cilic by 2-0.
2020 Rome Masters 62 76 and 2021 Canada Masters 63 36 63.
Casper Ruud · French Open · Holger Rune · Roland Garros
