'I had a little taste of the Italian crowd against Berrettini' Casper Ruud expects electric atmosphere against Jannik Sinner

Casper Ruud previewed his quarter-final clash against Jannik Sinner at the Rome Open, scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, 15 May, where he will chase his first win over the Italian star. The Norwegian comes into the match riding a nine-match winning streak and will look to take advantage of the clay surface to upset the World No. 1.

Ruud has enjoyed an outstanding couple of weeks, winning his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open two weeks ago, and continuing his winning form in Rome. After beating Spaniard Jaume Munar (6-3, 6-4), Ruud now faces his biggest challenge: stopping home favourite Sinner in front of his local crowd.

The three-time Grand Slam champion Sinner has also picked up three wins in a row since returning from suspension. His latest victory came in the round of 16 against Francisco Cerúndolo, one of the most dangerous clay-court players this season. Sinner had to raise his level to overcome the Argentine 7-6(2), 6-3, showing more emotion and intensity than in his earlier wins.

The challenge will be greater against Ruud, but the Norwegian is not underestimating the World No. 1, even if clay is not considered Sinner’s strongest surface. “Let’s not forget that he also had a great clay-court season last year,” said the former world No. 2.

“He reached the semi-finals of Monte Carlo and Roland Garros, so he can really play well on this surface. It’s not like he’s a completely different player,” he added. “We played a practice set the other day before the tournament started and it was a pretty even set.”

Currently ranked No. 7, Ruud is also unfazed by the loud Italian crowd expected to cheer for Sinner. “I think it’s going to be a fun match. Of course, I had a little taste of the Italian crowd the other night against Matteo (Berrettini), and I’m sure tomorrow will be even crazier.”

Sinner leads the head-to-head 3–0, though all previous matches were played on hard courts, which favour the Italian. With Sinner still finding his rhythm and Ruud in inspired form, this could be the perfect chance for the Norwegian to notch his first win in the rivalry.