Casper Ruud and Holger Rune had their differences in the past but they successfully overcame that ahead of the 2023 Italian Open semifinals.
The two Scandinavian prospects are set to meet in the ATP 1000 semifinal for a spot in the final of the competition. Their last meeting took place at last year's Roland Garros and it was overshadowed by on and off-court controversies.
However, earlier this year, Ruud said that their conflict in Paris is nothing to dwell on, and ahead of their meeting in Rome, it seems that the Norwegian doesn't want to focus on what happened between him and Rune in the past, but just wants to improve their H2H to 5-0 for him.
"We have talked after the incident in Roland Garros, and I think we both respect each other. I didn't send him a Christmas postcard and neither did he to me, so I'm not sure if we can say that we're too close."
In an era where the Scandinavian region has been rising to the fore of international tennis, Ruud's sentiments reflect a wider enthusiasm. With players like Emil Ruusuvuori from Finland, and Mikael and Elias Ymer from Sweden joining the ranks, the Nordic countries are witnessing a resurgence on the global tennis stage.
"But it's great to see Scandinavian success. I think it's really good for Nordic countries. Even with Ruusuvuori is there, the Ymer brothers from Sweden, so it's really cool to have a group of guys that are good."
The forthcoming match against Rune, however, will test more than just their tennis qualities; it will gauge their ability to retain focus amidst the specter of their past encounter. A sentiment mirrored in Ruud's own words.
"And we get along good enough. So, we're just going to probably focus on the tennis part on Saturday both of us and hopefully make it more friendly during and after the match this time."
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