Casper Ruud comments on whether Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s dominance ‘frustrates’ him

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Like much of the ATP Tour, Casper Ruud has found it tough to get the better of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Still, despite having just one win in 11 matches against the pair, he’s pulled off something neither of them have managed at this year’s Italian Open.

Now, with a chance to improve that record in Rome, Ruud could potentially face Sinner in the final after making his way through to the last round.

The Norwegian was asked how he feels about other players passing him by. It came after his convincing 6-1, 6-1 win over Luciano Darderi sent him into the final in Rome.

Casper Ruud admits Sinner and Alcaraz success can be ‘a bit’ frustrating

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Ruud recently fell to his lowest ranking in five years after being unable to defend his Madrid Open title but has responded well with a strong showing in Rome.

Following his win, Ruud was asked if he finds it hard to accept when other players move ahead of him.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist spoke honestly about Sinner and Alcaraz, saying it can be a little frustrating at times but that he tries not to compare himself too much.

“Yeah, sometimes,” Ruud admitted. “Sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and realize it wasn’t maybe meant to be in some matches that you lose or seeing how there was sort of some openings for someone to kind of take over the throne after the big three when they seemed towards the end of their domination. Obviously Novak [Djokovic] is still around, still has a chance in my eyes to win the biggest titles when he’s on. “I was one of the players that kind of entered my name into the discussion for a few years. I was not able to follow up. I was over- and outplayed by others. Then you have Jannik and Carlos who have become sort of the unicorns that they have become.”

He added: “At times I can be at home and wish that it was me and not them. At the same time I’m realistic in thinking that they have something special in them.

“They also work very, very hard. It’s not just because they’re talented or this or that that they’re so good, they also work very hard.”

“Their curve has been far better than mine in the last years,” he continued. “Has it been frustrating? A bit. But you cannot think too much about the other players.

Ruud went on: “You have to stay in your own lane in this sport, try to focus on yourself as much as you can.”

Casper Ruud speaks about what area of his game he feels has improved the most

He said there’s only so much that can change in a short time, but noted that both his forehand and return have been working well for him in Rome.

“Not sure. I mean, it’s only been two weeks since last tournament in Madrid. Only so much you can improve in just a matter of few days,” said Ruud.

“My forehand seemed to be causing problems for the opponent. I think I’m playing pretty solid from my backhand side. In Madrid when I lost to Blockx, I was a little bit all over the place with the forehand and was not creating any problems from my backhand corner.

“Here in Rome I’ve been returning really well and setting up the points really well after that. I’m happy with how I’m feeling on court.

“It’s sort of easier to hit more full swings when you’re in Rome than in Madrid because the ball doesn’t fly as much. You feel like it goes down and in. It’s a good feeling obviously. I think return and baseline game is even better than what it was in Madrid, yeah.”

The 27-year-old won’t have to wait long to find out who he’ll face next, though. The semi-final between Sinner and Medvedev will pick up where it left off once play resumes after rain brought things to a halt.

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