Casper Ruud crashes out of Japan Open already in first round

Casper Ruud didn't enjoy his time in Tokyo, as he lost already in the first round of the 2022 Japan Open to Jaume Munar.

Only a few weeks ago, Ruud had a chance to become the World No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings. He played in the US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, with the winner set to become also the top-ranked player.

After losing to the Spaniard, Ruud climbed to the second position, but he has already dropped to the No. 3 spot, and his fall could continue. Things are looking a bit differently for him now than they looked only a few weeks ago.

In the first round of the 2022 Japan Open in Tokyo, Ruud took on Jaume Munar, who he defeated three times before. However, all the previous matches were on clay courts, so the first-seeded player in Tokyo faced a new challenge against the Spaniard.

In the first set, Ruud struggled on his serve and he was broken twice. On the other hand, despite facing many difficult situations, Munar kept his cool and, after 44 minutes, won the first set 6-3.

The Spaniard won 71% of rallies after his first serve, and despite not being able to save the only break point that he faced, breaking Ruud's serve twice was enough to win the set.

The Norwegian wanted to start the second set well, but he did the opposite thing. Ruud immediately lost his serve and was trying to get back throughout the set. He even had four break points but never used his chances, and after an hour and 36 minutes, he lost the match 3-6, 3-6.

Although no one will surely overtake the Norwegian in the ATP Rankings this week, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas can get very close to overtaking him soon.