ATP Monte Carlo semifinal
Djokovic – Ruud: 13.04.2024 15:30 CEST
H2H: 5-0
Novak Djokovic got himself another win in Monte Carlo. After beating Safiullin and Musetti, Nole won against de Minaur in straight sets tonight as we predicted. It was another rollercoaster match. Novak lost his serve three times in the first set and still managed to win the first set 7-5. He had a solid 1st percentage, but he just was not attacking after he got his 1st serve in. De Minaur was able to neutralize his serve easily. The second set was almost the same as the first set. Novak lost his serve three times yet again, but won the set 6-4 in the end. We all know how great of a returner Novak is, so this should not be unusual for us. However, this was far away from his prime level. Advancing to the semifinals, he got another record. Novak now has the most semifinal appearances at Masters tournaments. This is his 77th semifinal appearance at the Masters level. He already has two titles, here in Monte Carlo. We have to say that his last title here was in 2015. This season, Novak is yet to play in the final.
Casper Ruud won his quarterfinal match in three sets against Humbert. Before that match, Ruud completely dominated against Tabilo and Hurkacz, earlier in the tournament. Today, Ruud played a very solid match. He lost the second set just because his forehand was not consistent. Once he got his forehand back, Ruud destroyed Humbert 6-1 in the third set. We already mentioned in the articles before, that Ruud is currently one of the best clay court players on the tour. The former French Open finalist also played last week in Estoril where he lost in the semifinals against Martinez. He has also played in 2 finals already this season. He lost both of them, but Ruud has had a solid season thus far. The clay court is his favorite surface by far, and we can expect him to have his biggest results on the clay this season. If Ruud could stay consistent tomorrow throughout the whole match, we believe that he will have a decent chance against the out-of-form Djokovic.
Best Bet to Make
Even though Novak Djokovic won all of his matches in Monte Carlo in straight sets, he is still far away from his best form. His service games were terrible tonight, and a player like Ruud will punish that. Casper Ruud played great tennis here in Monte Carlo. He has had a great season so far, and we believe that he might give Novak big problems. According to the bookies, Ruud is a big underdog in this meeting. We can not agree with that. Novak Djokovic won all the head-to-head matches in straight sets. Last time they met was last year at the French Open where Novak won 3-0. However, Ruud could have won two sets easily if Novak had not played outside this world.
All being said, Ruud winning at least one set is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Ruud to win at least one set @1.87 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
