Casper Ruud’s miserable 2023 continues with early Madrid Open exit

One of the greatest challenges of being a top tennis player is remaining one, year after year, even as the rest of the field conspires to tear you down. In the first few months of his sophomore season among the elite, Casper Ruud continues to exemplify that struggle. Ruud, the French Open runner up last year, suffered another early loss on clay, losing 6-3, 6-4 to young Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the Madrid Open.

A year ago, Ruud had reached the fourth round of a grand slam only once. Although he was already a top 10 player, he had a reputation for specialising in clay and thriving in the smaller events. The Norwegian blew every expectation out of the water in his breakthrough season, reaching finals at the French Open, US Open, ATP Finals and Miami Open. A match away from the top spot in New York, he finished the season having reached a career high ranking of No 2.

The first four months of the new season have been a write-off. With another early defeat, Ruud is 11-9 so far in 2023. He has won consecutive matches at only one of his 10 events. It had seemed that his form was improving as the tour turned to his favourite surface but after starting the clay season by winning the ATP title in Estoril, Ruud has suffered consecutive early round defeats in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

Before the Madrid Open, Ruud spoke of the need for him to adapt his game, playing more proactive tennis and keeping his opponents guessing. Against Arnaldi, however, it was more of the same. He settled far behind the baseline, he was nervous and tense on the important points. Arnaldi, a 22-year-old Italian in good form, recognised his opponent’s lack of confidence and played freely until the end, dominating with his big forehand from