Casper Ruud and Sebastian Baez will be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers and the third time on clay when they meet again in the quarterfinals of the Gonet Geneva Open on Thursday.
They faced each other twice last season, when Ruud prevailed 6-3, 6-0 in Estoril and 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in Hamburg. The seventh-ranked Norwegian is now gearing up for another run at Roland-Garros, where he has finished runner-up twice in a row. Ruud is certainly among the favorites this time around, as his current clay-court swing includes a title in Barcelona and a runner-up showing in Monte-Carlo. He opened in Geneva with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of Sebastian Ofner on Wednesday.
Baez has been outstanding on clay this year, as well. The 20th-ranked Argentine captured back-to-back titles in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago, reached a semifinal and quarterfinal in Cordoba and Buenos Aires, respectively, and is coming off a fourth-round effort in Rome. Baez added another victory to his 2024 haul by beating Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-0 on Tuesday.
With Baez in great form and Ruud surely more focused on defending points at Roland Garros, an upset could be in the cards.
Pick: Baez in 3
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Cobolli vs. Shevchenko should be a good one. Will be my first time watching Cobolli. When you get a chance, take a glimpse at the Peyton Stearns vs. Bronzetti scoreline. You will have a chuckle. I think the last time I saw a 3rd set like that was Serena vs. Pliskova semi finals.
well this does not age well lol
“Baez has been outstanding on clay this year”
One thing is for sure, it’s incredible how quickly you can change your opinion of a player.
Djokovic is under pressure on every service game but still manages to find a way. How long can he keep doing this?
After dominating on every Djokovic service game and failing to convert, Griekspoor has just given up.
Well done with Pericard
Ruud probably saw your post
Griekspoor and Shevchenko should’ve been more competitive.
However, working this hard before RG while already fatigued, won’t do Ruud any favours.
Ruud has to be asking himself some questions now; is it really worth the pain.