Novak Djokovic endured another tricky match at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters to reach the semi-final, in which he will face Casper Ruud.
This is an interesting matchup between two players who have had quite different seasons so far. Djokovic has played below his usual level but has found a winning formula at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo.
He's not playing at his peak or close to his peak, but he's winning, which is all that matters. It will be interesting to see whether Ruud is playing well enough to beat the 24-time major winner in this matchup.
They played in the Roland Garros final last year, which wasn't even close. The Norwegian could barely do anything as the Serbian lifted another trophy. Ruud has had a very good season so far, possibly one of the better ones played this year but he still has matches where he disappoints.
For example, he made three finals this year but lost all of them. He's playing well enough to beat Djokovic, but will he show up with that level? That's the question.
Head-to-head:
Djokovic and Ruud have played five times so far, and the Norwegian lost all the matches. I don't think he's afraid of Djokovic; I think it's more of a matchup problem. Ruud has weapons but not major ones like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
His forehand can be tough, but it's not impossible to counter him, especially with Djokovic's solid backhand. He's just really struggled to break down the 36-year-old on clay. Alex de Minaur had a similar problem, and he lost.
| Novak Djokovic | Casper Ruud | |
| 5 | H2H | 0 |
| 1 | Rank | 10 |
| 36 | Age | 25 |
| 11-3 | 2024 W/L | 23-6 |
| 1098-216 | Career W/L | 230-121 |
Prediction:
I do think Ruud will give Djokovic a battle, but I'm not sure that he'll be able to win the match. Overall I just think that the Serbian is the more solid player and he'll show that.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets.
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