New York, September 10 (BNA): Norway’s Kasper Ruud harnessed a powerful forehand to reach his second Grand Slam final this year, defeating Russia’s Karen Khachanov 7-6 (5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 at the US Open. And keep his hopes of reaching the top of the world rankings.
The first Norwegian player to reach the final at Flushing Meadows won an extraordinary 55-shot sprint to wrap up the first half of the first set and is en route to victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Reuters reports.
The fifth seed will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final match.
“This match is probably the biggest match of both careers,” said Rudd, who was humbled when he lost in straight sets to Rafael Nadal in the French Open final in June.
“You want to be interested in your opportunities and you were able to do that today.”
The 23-year-old is best known for his poise on clay but has been equally effective on the New York hardcourt, winning 14 consecutive points to take a 5-1 lead in a near-flawless second set.
His form deteriorated in the third, making 11 unforced errors and giving Khachanov the break at the setpoint.
However, Rudd rebounded to turn a break on chances in the third and fifth game of the fourth set and sealed the competition with a forehand, one of 20 across the match.
It took every ounce of his physique — and a brave face — to survive the affair, with Rudd telling reporters that his legs were trembling from the marathon starting point.
“I tried not to show Karen that I’m tired because I don’t want him to think it’s tiring for Casper,” he said.
“There is representation in sports. Tennis in particular. It is a mental and psychological game that any small detail can help you win the match.”
The ATP said Rudd would jump from world number seven to number one if he lifted the trophy on Sunday over Alcaraz.
Khachanov, who rose to prominence to defeat Australian Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals in five sets, said he was happy with some big victories in New York but was completely exhausted from a weary roster of contenders.
“With the tournament (ending) I’m feeling really, kind of devastated in a way, really tired. All the energy has waned. We’re almost three weeks in New York, preparing the week before,” he told reporters.
“I was thinking and dreaming of lifting the cup.”
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