Casper Ruud was enjoying a fine clay-court season, and continues to do so even after his exit from the Italian Open.
However, it is hard not to look at this tournament as a disappointment, despite reaching the quarter-finals.
After all, the nature of his defeat to Jannik Sinner was stunning, leaving onlookers shocked at the ease with which the Italian was strolling to victory.
After a 6-0, 6-1 thrashing, media duties would be the last thing any player would want to do. Ruud remained happy to oblige.
Casper Ruud speaks out after heavy Jannik Sinner defeat
Speaking in his post-match press conference for the Italian Open, Casper Ruud would have been forgiven for cutting a disgruntled figure.
After all, he was coming off one of his most crushing losses in recent memory.
However, as upbeat as ever, he insisted that there were positives to be taken from such a slaughtering. He claimed: ‘No, it doesn’t feel so bad honestly. I think it was more fun than anything, even though I lost 0-1. You just look at the guy and say, This is kind of, yeah, next-level s— – excuse my language (laughter) – but I don’t know what else to say. It was almost fun to witness at the same time.
‘Of course, I wish it was a closer match. I wish I could have given the people and the fans a longer, closer match.
‘But I think that I was there ready to play, but he was just even readier. Every area of my good shots he matched with even better back. I couldn’t re-answer with a better shot. That was just the story of the match.’
Casper Ruud must now bounce back for Roland Garros
Ahead of tonight’s match, Paul Annacone made Ruud his favourite to win the French Open. He may be rethinking that prediction now.
However, it cannot be forgotten what the Norwegian has achieved across his impressive career, not just on this surface, but specifically in the French capital too.
He is a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, having been beaten by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic respectively. Few in history can have many complaints about ever losing to the former at this event in particular.
So, despite such a crushing loss, Ruud must remind himself of the quality he has exhibited in recent years to inspire his comeback. He already shattered one hoodoo by claiming his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid earlier this month.
Paris could represent an opportunity to go one step further at his favoured Grand Slam, despite this heavy loss to Sinner.
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