“Casper Ruud should just play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz to win” – Fans React as Norwegian Crashes Out to Jordan Thompson in Japan Open 1R
In an unexpected turn of events, Casper Ruud, one of the top contenders at the Japan Open, exited the tournament in the first round after a surprising loss to Australia’s Jordan Thompson. The Norwegian, ranked as one of the top players in the world, faced an intense battle against Thompson, who managed to outlast him 7-6(5), 6-2 in a straight-set victory.
Ruud, who has enjoyed significant success on the ATP Tour in recent years, including multiple Grand Slam finals appearances, was considered a strong favorite to progress further in the tournament. However, Thompson’s aggressive play and Ruud’s struggles to find his rhythm on the hard court led to an early departure for the Norwegian.
Following the defeat, tennis fans took to social media to express their reactions, many poking fun at Ruud’s lack of recent success in singles competitions. One comment that caught my attention was, “Casper Ruud should just play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz to win.” This sentiment echoed a growing view among fans that Ruud’s current form may not be enough for singles victories at high-stakes tournaments. Alcaraz, the rising star and current World No. 2, has been dominant on the ATP Tour, leaving fans to joke that Ruud’s best shot at a title might be in a partnership with the young Spaniard.
The suggestion to pair Ruud with Alcaraz in doubles was a light-hearted critique but also reflected a deeper concern about Ruud’s singles performances. While Ruud has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, including clay court dominance, his recent struggles on other surfaces have left many wondering about his adaptability.
Ruud’s early exit in Tokyo adds to a series of frustrating results for the Norwegian in 2024. Despite reaching the finals of several prestigious events in 2022 and 2023, Ruud has been unable to capitalize on those opportunities, and fans have noticed the dip in his consistency. Many of his supporters are hopeful that he will rebound from this loss and regain the form that made him a threat in major tournaments.
On the flip side, Jordan Thompson deserves credit for his impressive performance. The Australian came into the match as the underdog but managed to play with confidence, using his serve and net play effectively to unsettle Ruud. Thompson’s victory over the Norwegian was a significant one, propelling him into the second round and potentially giving him the momentum to push further in the tournament.
For Ruud, the Japan Open loss will no doubt serve as a wake-up call. His focus will now shift to ending the season on a positive note, with key tournaments like the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals still ahead. Whether or not he takes the light-hearted advice to join forces with Carlos Alcaraz remains to be seen, but fans will continue to watch his journey closely, hoping for a resurgence.
As tennis fans continue to debate Ruud’s future and strategies, one thing is certain: the pressure on the Norwegian to deliver on the big stage is mounting.