World number eight Casper Ruud met defending champion Diego Schwartzman to play Sunday’s final of the Argentina Open at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
The 23-year-old claimed his second ATP Tour title at the South American tournament, prevailing over the home favorite 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 after two hours and 34 minutes. He had emerged victorious in 2020, capturing his maiden tour-level trophy at the ATP 250 event.
After the match, the second-time champion commented: “To come back here and try to defend the title not from last year but from two years ago has been a challenge, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
“Playing in front of all the fans on this center court was a great feeling again.”
The Argentine took the opener 7-5, saving a set point in style after a stunning 42-shot rally won by the World No. 15 to break for 6-5, serving next to triumph in one hour.
In the second set, Ruud regrouped, raising his level, putting Schwartzman under pressure though he failed to convert three break points but still advanced to win the last four games, earning a 6-2 victory to level up the match 1-1, forcing a decider.
The 7-time ATP titlist set the tone to lead 2-0 into the third set. The players exchanged breaks, but the Argentine lost accuracy with his first serve against an aggressive opponent.
However, the 29-year-old saved four breakpoints to stay alive at 2-4. From there, Ruud continued to impose his rhythm, and despite his adversary effort, ended up closing out the match in his favor.
Overall, the first Norwegian player to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals (2021) won 72 percent of his first-serve points and 77 with the second, compared to Argentina’s No. 1 racquet, who won 64 and 46, respectively.
In addition, he hit ten aces, recording one double fault, converting 4/17 breakpoints opportunities he faced.
The Road to the Top
The semifinals saw the Oslo native beating Federico Delbonis in straight sets on Saturday to secure his ticket into the ultimate stage of the competition.
Later in the day, the second seed would secure his place, battling past Italy Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 after nearly three hours.
Throughout his campaign in the tournament, Ruud toppled Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, Argentinians Federico Coria, and Delbonis to reach the final.
Meanwhile, Schwartzman defeated Spain’s Jaume Munar, fellow countryman Francisco Cerundolo and Sonego before being halted in his quest to win back-to-back titles.
Further assessing his performance, Ruud said: “I think this is the perfect start, and it will give me confidence for the rest of the season and also for the next weeks when I am here in South America.”
Both finalists will compete at the Rio Open presented by Claro, running from February 14-20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The ATP 500 also features young star Carlos Alcaraz, World No. 7 Matteo Berrettini, and Italian Fabio Fognini among a stellar field.