Zverev and Tsitsipas bid farewell to the competitions
Sudan Events – Agencies
The Norwegian Casper Ruud knocked out the Greek defending champion and second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), and reached the final of the Mexican Los Cabos tournament (250) on hard court, where he will meet the Australian Jordan Thompson, who defeated the German Alexander Zverev, ranked first 7. -5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2).
Ruud, ranked 12th in the world, succeeded in resolving his confrontation with the Greek after a strong start, to reserve the final ticket in the tournament held in western Mexico at high altitude.
Ruud (25 years old), two-time runner-up in the Roland Garros Grand Championship, is looking for the eleventh title in his career.
Ruud did not lose a point on his serve in the first set and had to save five balls in the second. “It was a really close match, especially in the second set.” “I was lucky to save some decisive shots.” He said.
On the other hand, Tsitsipas lost his only title in 2023, which he won in Los Cabos.
In the second marathon match, Thompson, ranked 40th in the world, settled the fight in 3 hours and 40 minutes, against Zverev, ranked sixth in the world, to reach the third final in his career and the first on solid ground.
The 26-year-old German was marking his return to action a month after his exit in the semi-finals of the Australian Open against Russian Daniil Medvedev.
After saving five decisive shots in the third set, “Sasha” Zverev succeeded in dragging the 29-year-old native of Sydney, Australia, to a tiebreak, but the latter did not smile at him and lost 2-7.
“I think it’s a miracle,” “I never expected to reach this role.” Thompson said after his win.
Thompson did not succeed in reaching the eighth final of the Grand Slam or the Masters 1000, but he defeated Ruud in five sets in the first round of the Wimbledon Grand Championship in 2021.
“(The match) was longer than three and a half hours,” “It was a great match and I competed until the end.” “I’m really tired”. Thompson continued.
Thompson was trailing in the quarter-finals 0-6 and 0-3 against American Alex Mikkelsen, but he turned the tables on his opponent and won 7-6 (7-1) and 7-5 in the second and third sets.
