Casper Ruud has made a significant stride in his tennis career by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Masters 1000 on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Ruud, currently ranked 15th in the world, claimed victory with a score of 6-3, 7-5, marking his first win against the former world number one in their fourth meeting. The match, which lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, showcased Ruud's prowess on clay, a surface where he has thrived over the years.
The Norwegian started the match strong, breaking Medvedev's serve early in the first set at 3-1. Medvedev, who is ranked 10th globally, struggled to find his rhythm, committing three unforced errors that allowed Ruud to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. Ruud ultimately served out the first set comfortably, clinching it with a powerful service winner.
In the second set, Medvedev showed signs of improvement, but Ruud remained focused and composed. The pivotal moment came at 5-5 when Medvedev, facing pressure, missed a crucial drop shot, granting Ruud a break point. The Norwegian seized the opportunity, converting the break to serve for the match. Medvedev's day only grew more disappointing as he ended the match with a total of 33 unforced errors, including four double faults.
Ruud's victory is particularly sweet as he had lost all three of his previous encounters against Medvedev. This win not only propels him into the semi-finals of the Mutua Open for the first time since 2021 but also positions him closer to the ATP Top 10 rankings. Depending on the outcome of his next match, Ruud could rise to as high as 12th in the world rankings.
Looking ahead, Ruud is set to face either Francisco Cerundolo, ranked 21st, or Jakub Mensik, ranked 23rd, in the semi-finals. Both players are formidable opponents, but Ruud's confidence is bolstered by his recent performance. "I feel great on the court, especially on clay, where I've had a lot of success," Ruud stated after the match. His track record on this surface is impressive, with 123 victories since 2020, more than any other active player on the ATP tour.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds not just for Ruud but for the entire tennis community. The Madrid Masters 1000 is known for its high stakes and intense competition, and this year is no exception. Ruud's journey through the tournament has been closely watched, especially after his earlier victory over Taylor Fritz, which set the stage for this quarter-final clash.
Meanwhile, in the other quarter-finals scheduled for later on Thursday, fifth seed Jack Draper is set to face Matteo Arnaldi, while Lorenzo Musetti will take on Gabriel Diallo. The outcomes of these matches will further shape the narrative of this year's Madrid Open as players vie for prestigious ranking points and the coveted title.
In the women’s draw, the WTA 1000 semi-finals are also heating up, with defending champion Iga Swiatek going up against American Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka set to clash with in-form Elina Svitolina. The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate thrilling matchups across both draws.
As Casper Ruud prepares for his next challenge, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can continue his impressive run in Madrid. With his recent form and determination, Ruud is certainly a player to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.
