Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, has long been known for his composed and almost stoic demeanor on the court. However, his recent performance at the Italian Open in Rome caught many off guard—including Brad Gilbert, the former coach of Coco Gauff. In the final against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Ruud displayed an uncharacteristic level of emotion, barking at his support team, including his father, and even mocking the Italian crowd after his straight-sets defeat.
Gilbert, a seasoned tennis analyst who has coached the likes of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, shared his observations on the Big T Podcast. He noted that Ruud's behavior was a departure from his usual relaxed approach. "One, he's normally very relaxed on the court and he started actually barking at the camp a little bit and his dad a little bit," Gilbert said. "That was like you're not used to seeing that." The former coach also pointed out tactical missteps, particularly Ruud's reliance on backhand exchanges with Sinner, whose backhand is less potent than his forehand.
Background: Ruud's Rise in Tennis
Casper Ruud, born in Oslo, Norway, in 1998, has steadily climbed the ATP rankings, reaching a career high of world No. 2 in 2022. He has won 10 ATP singles titles, all on clay, which is his preferred surface. His game is built around a heavy topspin forehand and exceptional movement on clay, making him a formidable opponent in tournaments like the Italian Open. Ruud's calm demeanor has often been praised as a key asset, allowing him to maintain focus during long rallies and high-pressure moments. This made his outburst in Rome all the more surprising to observers.
The Italian Open, officially known as the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, holds a special place in Ruud's career. He reached the final there in 2023 and 2024, losing to Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev respectively. This year, he hoped to finally clinch the title but ran into an inspired Jannik Sinner, who has been dominant on home soil. The final, played on a sunny Sunday, saw Sinner win 6-4, 6-4 in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggests.
Gilbert's Tactical Analysis
Brad Gilbert, known for his strategic insights, broke down Ruud's performance in detail. He noted that Ruud started the match well, being patient and building an early lead. However, as the match progressed, Ruud reverted to a predictable pattern. "His game is about serve and find that first ball for him," Gilbert explained. "And I thought he settled to go backhand to backhand with Sinner. And obviously Sinner's backhand is not as good as his forehand." This tactical error allowed Sinner to dictate play with his forehand, which is considered one of the best on tour.
Gilbert also discussed the mental aspect. Ruud entered the match with an 0-4 record against Sinner and had not won a single set in their previous meetings. Gilbert speculated that Ruud's early success might have triggered a shift in mindset. "Maybe he got this little lead. ... And, you know, as a player, when you're 0-4 against somebody, you haven't won a set, maybe your first thought is you hope you don't get crushed," Gilbert said. "But I feel like maybe the good start got him to think, 'Oh, I could win like this.' And Sinner said, 'No, not so fast.'"
The emotional outbursts, including shouting at his box and slamming his racket, were a clear indication of the pressure Ruud felt. Such behavior is rare for a player who is often described as a "gentleman" on and off the court. Gilbert believes that managing emotions is crucial in high-stakes matches. "He's normally so relaxed, but when he started to show frustration, it affected his decision-making," Gilbert added.
Ruud's Post-Match Comments Spark Controversy
The drama did not end with the match. During the trophy ceremony, Ruud made a pointed joke about Italian football, referencing Norway's qualification for the 2026 World Cup while Italy failed to qualify. "I know that in football it's a different story at the moment," Ruud said. "When you are losing to Norway, we have to be able to make a bit of jokes." The comment drew laughter from some in the crowd but also elicited boos, as Italian fans are passionate about their national team. Ruud quickly followed up with genuine praise for the Italian Tennis Federation and the tournament's atmosphere.
This incident highlights Ruud's attempt to relieve tension but also reflects the emotional rollercoaster he experienced. The Italian crowd, which had been supportive of Sinner throughout the final, may have contributed to Ruud's frustration. In previous years, Ruud has been praised for his sportsmanship, making this evening particularly memorable for its divisive moments.
Historical Context: Ruud vs. Top Players
Casper Ruud's struggles against top-ranked players are well-documented. He has a losing record against Sinner, Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, despite being a dominant force on clay against lower-ranked opponents. His tactical and emotional approach has often been the deciding factor in these matches. For example, in the 2023 French Open final, Ruud lost to Djokovic in straight sets but showed remarkable composure. In contrast, his performance in Rome was plagued by frustration, suggesting that the weight of expectations—especially after failing to win a title in 2024—may be taking a toll.
Ruud's 2024 season has been inconsistent. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open but early exits in Indian Wells and Miami raised questions. The Italian Open final was an opportunity to regain momentum ahead of the French Open, where he is a two-time runner-up. Instead, he leaves Rome with more questions than answers, both about his tactics and his emotional resilience.
The Role of Coaching and Support
Ruud's decision to vent at his coach and father, Christian Ruud—a former professional tennis player—also drew attention. Christian has been a steady presence in Casper's corner for years, often credited with shaping his mental strength. In Rome, however, the dynamic seemed strained. Gilbert pointed out, "To see him barking at his camp, especially at his dad, it's just not what we're used to." This incident may prompt a reevaluation of their on-court communication, especially during critical moments.
Brad Gilbert himself has a unique perspective. Having coached stars from Agassi to Gauff, he understands the pressures of high-performance tennis. He emphasized that even the calmest players can crack, but the key is learning from such experiences. "Ruud is still a fantastic player," Gilbert said. "But against Sinner, you have to be mentally sharp and tactically flexible. He wasn't either in the final."
Looking ahead, Ruud is set to compete in the Geneva Open, where he will face American Jenson Brooksby. This smaller tournament could serve as a confidence booster before the French Open. However, to challenge for Grand Slam titles, Ruud must rediscover his composure and tactical sharpness. His uncharacteristic behavior in Rome may be a one-time lapse or a sign of deeper frustrations. Only time will tell.
As the tennis world gathers for Roland Garros, fans will watch closely to see how Ruud bounces back. The Italian Open provided a dramatic subplot to the clay-court season, and Brad Gilbert's analysis offers valuable insight into the mind of a player under pressure.
Source: MSN News