In a thrilling match at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, No. 27-ranked Alexei Popyrin is set to clash with No. 7 Casper Ruud in the Round of 16 on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Both players are coming off strong performances in the previous rounds, with Popyrin overcoming Frances Tiafoe in a tense three-set battle, while Ruud dominated Roberto Bautista Agut with a convincing straight-sets victory.
Popyrin, who has struggled on clay over the past year with a 3-8 record, is looking to turn his fortunes around in this prestigious tournament. His recent form has shown promise, winning three of his last five matches, including two tight contests this week in Monte Carlo. He defeated Tiafoe 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back after losing the first set.
On the other hand, Ruud has been a standout performer on clay, boasting an impressive 23-6 record over the past 12 months and securing two tournament victories. His latest triumph against Bautista Agut, where he won 6-2, 6-1, underscored his prowess on the surface. Ruud's serve was particularly effective, as he did not offer any breakpoints to his opponent, a testament to his strong performance.
This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Popyrin and Ruud, adding an intriguing layer to the contest. Historically, Ruud has excelled on clay, finishing as the runner-up in Monte Carlo last year and reaching the semifinals in 2021. His experience and confidence on this surface make him a formidable opponent.
Statistically, Popyrin has a 74.0% success rate on his service games on clay over the past year, but his return game has struggled, with only a 15.8% success rate. In contrast, Ruud has an impressive 80.3% winning percentage in service games and ranks fifth in break points won on clay, converting 43.9% of his break points.
The odds reflect Ruud's status as the favorite in this matchup, with his moneyline odds at -500 compared to Popyrin's +333. Betting analysts have projected a win probability of 71% for Ruud, indicating strong confidence in his ability to advance further in the tournament.
As the match approaches, fans are eager to see if Popyrin can harness his recent momentum to challenge Ruud effectively. However, given Ruud's track record and current form, many expect him to dominate the match.
The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM CEST, and viewers can catch the action live on Tennis Channel via Fubo. With both players eager to make their mark in this prestigious event, the stage is set for an exciting showdown in Monte Carlo.
In addition to the Popyrin-Ruud match, other notable matches are taking place in the tournament. Matteo Berrettini is set to face Lorenzo Musetti, and Daniil Medvedev will take on Alex de Minaur later in the day. These matchups are generating significant interest as players vie for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
Overall, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters continues to deliver thrilling tennis action, and the upcoming match between Popyrin and Ruud promises to be a highlight of the event. As both players prepare to take the court, the excitement is palpable, and fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes encounter.
