Caspr Ruud broke through for a career-first quarter-final at the Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday assh he shut down the Gael Monfils show 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4.
The Norwegian who has played three Grand Slam finals and frankly prefers clay, stands ninth in the world but claimed just one title last season.
Ruud needed nearly two and a half hours to construct his comeback against his French showman opponent.
He will bid for the semi-finals against Tommy Paul after the American dispatched Novak Djokovic’s surprise conqueror Luca Nardi of Italy 6-4, 6-3.
“I felt physically good and ready,” said Ruud. “It was a really tough second set, it fortunately went my way. I saved a few break points there and was clutch enough in the tie-break.”
Monfils at age 37 was the sixth oldest player to reach a Masters quarter-final since the series began in 1990.
Monfils was feeling the weight of his three-hour-plus victory in the previous round over 2021 champion Cameron Norrie.
Ruud improved to 16-3 on the season.
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…