Casper Ruud and Holger Rune have set up a clash once again at the quarter final stage of Roland Garros this year. Ruud had come out on top in 4 sets in 2022, ending up as the eventual runner-up at the Major. But the quarter final match had produced quite a bit of drama, more so after the match rather than during. Rune, who is not averse to expressing his emotions openly, was seen being vocal towards his box and the chair umpire throughout the match and when it was time for the customary handshake at the net, the Danish player gave a very curt shake of the hand to Ruud. All this apparently set the stage for more drama beyond the court.
Ruud, who wont he match 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3, shook his head in disappointment at Rune’s handshake, the gif of which even became something of a meme back then. Later on, Rune alleged that Ruud had approached him in the locker room and celebrated needlessly in his face. All this drama went on for a few more days and while completely avoidable, it was entertaining nonetheless. With the two set to face off once again exactly a year later, we can’t help but wonder if we are in for some more drama.
What happened between Holger Rune and Casper Ruud in 2022?
Following the cold handshake at the net, Holger Rune claimed that Casper Ruud came up to him in the locker room and shouted “Ja” in celebration. This allegation was later denied by Ruud’s father, which was then countered by Rune’s mother who said that Casper’s father had already left when all this happened.
Rune later even said that he felt Ruud was “unsportsmanlike” throughout the match and that he wanted to get away from the Norwegian without a hug after his loss. After facing criticism for his actions, Rune notoriously defended himself by saying Roger Federer was “40 times worse” at the age of 19.
“If you saw Roger Federer as a youngster, he was maybe 40 times worse than I was,” Rune said. “And he’s one of the most beloved tennis players on the tour – so I think I have plenty of time to get an even better image. I have an extreme passion for this sport and sometimes I show it too much.”
In another instance, he even responded cheekily to a comment on his social media post that criticized him for poor sportsmanship, saying eh only hugged friends.
On his part, Casper Ruud denied having done anything of the sort that Rune was claiming. He said that he and his team had their own corner in the locker room and that they were enjoying themselves and that he never interacted wit Rune in there. The 2022 runner up even went on to say that he wished this was the last time Rune would lie about something in this manner.
To his credit, Rune took to social media to end the beef and offer an olive branch by wishing Ruud luck for his semi final match. WHile there certainly was a lot of drama surrounding their match, there does not seem to be any deep-rooted negativity between then two Scandinavian players.
The pair even faced off earlier this year in a semi final clash at the Rome Masters where Rune picked up his maiden victory against Ruud, losing to eventual winner Daniil Medvedev in the final. The reception between the two Scandinavians was quite warm and respectful this time around, evidence that last year’s tension was a one-off.
Repeat of last year’s encounter?
It may have been just 12 months since Holger Rune and Casper Ruud last played here but a lot has changed for both since. Casper has gone on to play and lose two Grand Slam finals, one at Roland Garros and another at the US Open 2022. He will be hoping to repeat last year’s result against Holger and with no Rafael Nadal to thwart him this time around, possibly going all the way on his favored surface. With a fairly straightforward run into the quarter final, Ruud will be confident of getting a result.
Rune has become a completely different player in the last 12 months, upping his game and brimming with confidence. The Dane has since broken into the top 10 rankings, currently sitting at No. 6 at just 20 years of age. And now with the experience of having fi8nally beaten Ruud, he will be backing himself to book a place in his first semi final at a Grand Slam. His road to the quarter final hasn’t been the easiest, despite a walkover by his childhood idol Gael Monfils.
Speaking ahead of the match, Rune reiterated his respect for Ruud also hoping for a match without any problems.
“Obviously there was drama last year and I hope we can make less drama this year. We played each other in Rome. It was a good match, I think. He’s a good player. I respect him. There’s no problem. We’re good. Should be a match without problems, hopefully. Just looking forward to it.”
The winner of this match will go on to face the winner between German Alexander Zverev and Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
