Resilient Ruud recovers from two sets down to enter US Open fourth round

Casper Ruud defeats Juncheng Shang 6-7 (1), 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-1 on Friday to join Taylor Fritz in the fourth round

Casper Ruud (Credit: Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic)

Ayush Vashistha

August 31, 2024

US Open •Third round • completed

See draw

C. RuudvsJ. Shang

Norwegian Casper Ruud, the No 8 seed, moved into the last 16 of the US Open by pulling off a miraculous comeback to beat Chinese Juncheng Shang 6-7 (1), 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-1 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Friday.

Ruud started the match shakily as he produced three double faults and 15 unforced errors in the opening set. He registered as many double faults in the second set along with 11 unforced errors to concede a 2-0 lead.

The No 8 seed, however, turned it around drastically in the third set as he dished out a bagel to gain the much required momentum. He then returned to his best self henceforth, breaking Shang’s serve four times and saving three break points in the fourth and fifth sets to advance.

“First two sets weren’t too fun. The last 3 sets were very fun,” Ruud joked in his on-court interview. “I don’t know, something clicked. I was a bit frustrated there after the second set and said ‘Time to go for it!’. And honestly, the energy from the crowd was phenomenal.”

Ruud, ranked No 8, will face American Taylor Fritz, the No 12 seed, next.

The Norwegian won against Chinese qualifier Yunchaokete Bu (7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2) and edged out Frenchman Gael Monfils (6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (3)) ahead of his victory.

In the previous rounds of the US Open, Shang, ranked No 72, beat Kazakh Alexander Bublik, the No 27 seed (6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4) and Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena (6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (2)).