Novak Djokovic's marketing campaign for a historic a centesimal ATP title acquired a lift as world no. 7 Casper Ruud withdrew from the ATP 250 occasion in Geneva.
The Norwegian is 13-1 at this match between 2021 and 2024, lifting three titles. Nonetheless, he won’t defend the crown subsequent week following a brutal Rome Masters defeat to Jannik Sinner.
Casper's exit considerably opens up the draw for Novak, who goals to search out kind and momentum forward of Roland Garros. Djokovic can be looking for an enormous milestone, his a centesimal ATP crown.
2021 🏆
2022 🏆
2024 🏆@CasperRuud98 turns into the primary participant to carry the Geneva trophy 3 instances! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/svw4iHrMcP— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) Might 25, 2024
Alongside Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, Denis Shapovalov, Tallon Griekspoor, Jordan Thompson and Lorenzo Sonego may also skip the final pre-Roland Garros take a look at.
Taylor Fritz will lead the draw forward of Djokovic, Tomas Machac, Karen Khachanov and Alexei Popyrin. The Serb will compete in Geneva for the second straight yr after asking for a late wild card.
Casper Ruud, 2024© Stream screenshot
He skipped the Rome Masters and determined to enter a smaller occasion and get some matches forward of the second Main occasion of the season. Following a sluggish clay-court marketing campaign this spring, the veteran hopes to spice up his recreation.
Novak misplaced the Miami Open ultimate to Jakub Mensik in two tie breaks. As a substitute of shifting that kind to clay, the 24-time Main winner skilled early Monte Carlo and Madrid defeats.
Djokovic fell to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and suffered a heavy loss to Matteo Arnaldi in Caja Magica. The Serb skipped Rome and entered Geneva, hoping to make two units greater than a yr in the past.
Novak Djokovic, Geneva 2024© Stream screenshot
As Novak seems to be to sharpen his recreation for Roland Garros, a powerful week in Geneva might be an ideal springboard. The legend is attempting to regain confidence and etch his title deeper into tennis historical past along with his a centesimal ATP title.
The 99th got here finally yr's Olympic Video games in Paris, and Djokovic has been ready for ten months to safe the milestone one and be a part of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer within the historical past books.
