ATP – Rome

In the first semi-final of the Rome Masters 1000 on Friday, May 15, Casper Ruud was impressive, dominating Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-1 to secure his first final in the Italian capital. During his press conference after the victory, the Norwegian reflected on his tournament in Rome, with three semi-finals and one final under his belt. The three-time Grand Slam finalist then talked about his progress over the past two years, comparing his level to the rest of the circuit over the years.

“I was one of the players who made headlines,” Ruud said. “In the early days, I didn’t feel good with the ball. I was quite tired because the rallies are a bit different here than in Madrid, where you get a lot more easy points on serve. I think the match against Lehecka, which I won in the third round, gave me momentum and confidence. Since then, I’ve tried to focus on my strengths and continue on that path, trying to improve even more. I felt a bit better every day. The two sets against Khachanov and today’s match are among my best matches in a long time. It’s a great feeling.”

“At times, when I’m at home, I wish I could be in their shoes,” Ruud continued. “I was one of the players who made headlines for a few years. I didn’t manage to capitalize on that momentum. I was overtaken and beaten by others. Jannik and Carlos have become true legends. Sometimes, when I’m at home, I wish I could be in their place. But at the same time, I remain realistic and think they have something special. Their progress has been much better than mine in recent years. Was it frustrating? A little. But you shouldn’t think too much about other players.”

“In this sport, you have to follow your own path and focus on yourself to the fullest,” Ruud emphasized. “After all, it’s an individual sport. Comparing yourself to other players, I believe, is the biggest mistake you can make. You have to trust yourself, listen to your instincts, and believe that you are on the right track.”