In the ever-evolving landscape of men’s tennis, where Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have surged to the forefront, Casper Ruud remains a resolute challenger, refusing to bow to the narrative of their invincibility. The Norwegian star, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, boldly declared on a recent episode of *The Sit-Down* podcast that the world’s top two players, despite their dazzling dominance, are far from untouchable. As the 2025 US Open looms, starting August 24, Ruud’s fighting spirit and unwavering belief in his ability to topple the sport’s new titans have ignited hope among fans and players alike, setting the stage for a thrilling battle in New York.
Sinner and Alcaraz have redefined tennis since 2024, claiming the last seven Grand Slam singles titles between them. Their rivalry, which blossomed at the 2022 US Open where Alcaraz defeated Ruud in a gripping four-set final, has produced electrifying clashes, including back-to-back finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2025. Alcaraz’s stunning comeback from two sets down to beat Sinner at the French Open showcased his relentless grit, while Sinner’s maiden Wimbledon title weeks later cemented his status as world No. 1. Together, their nine combined Major titles—Sinner with four, Alcaraz with five—have created a duopoly that some, like Daniil Medvedev, view as nearly insurmountable. Yet, Ruud, ranked No. 13 after a first-round loss to Arthur Rinderknech at the Cincinnati Open, sees opportunity where others see dominance. “Now you have two guys who honestly you can say they’re also taking it to a little bit of a different level,” he said on the podcast. “But I really still believe that they’re catchable, let’s say, that it’s possible to catch up with them, and they’re beatable. Otherwise I don’t think I would be here if I didn’t believe that you can beat anyone.”
Ruud’s confidence stems from his own remarkable journey. Three years ago, at the 2022 US Open, he stood on the cusp of history, battling Alcaraz for both his first Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 ranking. Though he fell short, the match marked a pivotal moment in his career. “So for me to go from [there] in August/September 2020 and then two years later I played for world No. 1 and my first Slam title against Alcaraz in the US Open was an incredible curve that went, honestly, quite fast, which was in a way a little life-changing and career-changing for me,” he reflected. His path to that final included a semifinal win over Karen Khachanov, and earlier finals at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023 against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, respectively, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. His 2025 Madrid Open triumph, a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title won in the absence of Sinner and Alcaraz, further bolstered his belief. “Winning a tournament is a very special feeling, so of course the Madrid title tasted well for me, and I had not won a tournament of that scale before,” he added.
The 26-year-old’s defiance is not just bravado; it’s rooted in experience. His lone victory over Alcaraz at the 2024 ATP Finals and a 1-7 combined record against the duo prove the challenge, but Ruud remains undeterred. “It’s not easy to be in Carlos and Jannik’s position,” he noted earlier this year, acknowledging the pressure they face as players are “extra motivated” to topple them. His father and coach, Christian Ruud, a former world No. 39, joined him on the podcast, offering perspective on Casper’s growth since matching his fourth-round Australian Open run in 2021. The symmetry of their achievements underscores a family legacy driving Casper’s pursuit of a maiden Major.
Ruud’s recent struggles, including a 3-4 record on indoor hard courts and early exits in Washington and Cincinnati, highlight the uphill battle. Yet, his ultimate goal remains clear: “The ultimate goal and the final goal for my career is, of course, maybe to lift a trophy at a Slam one day,” he said. With Sinner’s 22-match hard-court streak and Alcaraz’s 51-10 season record, the US Open will test Ruud’s resolve. As he prepares alongside Team Europe teammates Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Holger Rune for the Laver Cup in September, Ruud’s belief that “you can beat anyone” could inspire an upset in New York, where he aims to close the 500-point gap to the top 10 and etch his name in tennis history.
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