Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner exit Monte-Carlo Masters at semi-final stage…
Novak Djokovic saw his hopes of winning a third Monte-Carlo Masters flattened by Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, while Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned second seed Jannik Sinner.
Ruud captured the biggest win of his career as he upset world No 1 Djokovic 6-4 1-6 6-4 to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 final and first since 2022.
The Norwegian had never won a set off Djokovic in the pair’s previous five meetings, but he clubbed 23 winners to outlast the Serbian in a thrilling contest to set up a final date with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has earlier shocked second seed Jannik Sinner.
Norwegian Ruud, who had lost to Djokovic in all five of their previous matches, broke twice early in the first set before the 24-time Grand Slam champion fought back strongly in the second.
Eighth seed Ruud held his nerve, however, as five unforced errors from Djokovic allowed him to go 3-0 up in the decider before he calmly closed out the victory.
I am super happy,” Ruud said. “This is a day I will remember for a long time. Beating a world No 1 is something I have never done and beating Novak is something I have never done. I am very, very happy. I am a little bit in a state of shock right now.
“I was up in the third and he came back, typical how good these guys are under pressure. And I was thinking please don’t let this slip away and 0-40 in the last game, it is not done.
When he missed the first serve [at 30-40], he saved so many break points in crazy ways, with huge second serves. I prayed one time, let it be a double fault and something above listened and of course it was unfortunate to end the match with a double fault but for me it was nice to see that ball sail long.”
