Casper Ruud says Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are currently suffering from exactly the same problem
Casper Ruud has opened up about his recent struggles and weighed in on the challenges facing fellow top players Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The Norwegian, currently teetering on the edge of the ATP top 10, has yet to win a title in 2025. Despite reaching the Dallas Open final, where he lost to Denis Shapovalov in straight sets, Ruud has suffered several early-round exits and hasn’t found his rhythm.
His switch to clay has yielded mixed results. A third-round loss in Monte-Carlo, where he was a finalist last year, was disappointing. However, he has bounced back in Barcelona, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Ruud: “Everyone’s Extra Motivated to Beat Sinner and Alcaraz”
Speaking to Marca, Ruud shared his perspective on the competitiveness of the tour today.
“Over the last 20–25 years, three or four players dominated. Now, everything is more open,” he said.
“Sinner and Alcaraz have clearly been the two best in recent years, but they’re not unbeatable. Everyone is extra motivated to beat them. It’s not easy being in their position.”
Ruud has had a tough time against both players, winning just 1 of 8 combined matches.
Head-to-head results vs. Alcaraz & Sinner:
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 ATP Finals (SF) | Sinner | Ruud | 6-1, 6-2 |
| 2024 ATP Finals (RR) | Ruud | Alcaraz | 6-1, 7-5 |
| 2023 China Open (QF) | Alcaraz | Ruud | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2022 US Open (F) | Alcaraz | Ruud | 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2022 Miami Open (F) | Alcaraz | Ruud | 7-5, 6-4 |
| 2021 Vienna Open (QF) | Sinner | Ruud | 7-5, 6-1 |
| 2021 Marbella (QF) | Alcaraz | Ruud | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2022 Vienna Open (1R) | Sinner | Ruud | 7-6, 6-3 |
Barcelona Showdown Ahead?
Now ranked world No. 10, Ruud could soon get another crack at Alcaraz. Both are top seeds at the 2025 Barcelona Open and are on track to meet in Sunday’s final.
Ruud won the title last year during Alcaraz’s absence, marking his first ATP 500 title. Alcaraz, the 2023 and 2024 champion, is aiming to reclaim the crown.
Their potential routes to the final differ in difficulty:
- Ruud faces Holger Rune in the quarterfinals and may meet Andrey Rublev in the semis.
- Alcaraz must navigate a tougher path: Laslo Djere, Alex de Minaur, and possibly Stefanos Tsitsipas, a four-time Barcelona finalist.
No Pressure?
Despite the looming threat of dropping out of the top 10, Ruud says he’s not worried.
“The ranking goes up and down. If I fall out of the top 10, my life won’t change.”
Still, a strong Barcelona run could stabilize his season—and another title would go a long way in reestablishing his form.
Ruud faces Rune on Friday, April 18, while Alcaraz takes on Djere on Thursday, April 17.
