After claiming his second ATP Tour title in Geneva, Casper Ruud is playing some of the best tennis of his career. The World no. 21 claimed a 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 win over Denis Shapovalov in the final. The Norwegian is set to return to the top 20 in the FedEx ATP Rankings.
It was an impressive performance from Ruud as he produced some stellar serving numbers. He won 79% of points behind his first serve. And what makes the numbers even more impressive is that he won 81% of points on his second delivery.
While Roger Federer may not have a lethal serve like John Isner or Ivo Karlovic, he is still regarded as one of the best servers in the game. The Swiss maestro is known for his unpredictable and effective serving. He has the ability to land the ball at different spots without changing his body position or ball toss.
After his win over Shapovalov, Ruud said his revamped service motion was inspired by Federer.
“It’s a little bit like the movement that Roger [Federer] does when he rotates with his head and it almost looks like he can see the ball at impact. That gave me some inspiration looking at the way he’s serving. He’s not the tallest guy, but he always had a big serve.”
He continued: “I think it’s been [a] positive [change] that is helping the arm and body feel better, and also I’m serving better. I’m placing the ball better and I have better pace on the ball. It was a great change and a great improvement. And it was an easy change.”
Casper Ruud heads into Roland Garros with a revamped serve
Casper Ruud will be hoping to make a good run at the French Open.
It has been an impressive clay-court season for the 22-year-old. While he may have only one title to show for it, he did make it to the semifinals in Monte-Carlo, Munich and Madrid.
But the most interesting stat from his triumph in Geneva is that he did not face a single break point during the championship match. And that is a huge confidence booster for Ruud one week before the French Open.
The Norwegian also guarantees himself a major boon heading into Paris. A Top 16 seeding at Roland Garros, his highest Grand Slam seeding yet.
Based on current form, Casper Ruud will be looking to make a deep run and possibly the second week at Roland Garros.
