Shapovalov and Ruud book their spots in Geneva Open final

In the semifinals of the Gonet Geneva Open on Friday, it was Denis Shapovalov and Casper Ruud that prevailed in their respective matches, each booking their spot in Saturday’s final.

In the first match of the day, it was Casper Ruud that defeated Pablo Andujar, ending his great run that included the big upset over Roger Federer in the round of 16. It was a pretty straightforward match for the 22-year-old Norwegian, who took the match 6-3, 6-2 in just under an hour and 20 minutes.

Norway’s Casper Ruud plays a forehand return during his semi-final singles match against Spain’s Pablo Andujar at the ATP 250 Geneva Open tennis tournament in Geneva on May 21, 2021. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) /

Casper Ruud did not face a single break point in the match, and was able to break Andujar four times, converting on 44% of his break point chances, according to Infosys ATP Stats. Ruud was much better on the return of serve today, as he was able to win 44% of points on the return, while Andujar won just 10 of 42 points (24%) on the return of serve in the match.

It was a closer match on the other side of the draw, as Shapovalov defeated qualifier Pablo Cuevas 6-4, 7-5 in just over an hour and 40 minutes. It was the second meeting between the two, as Shapovalov was able to even the head-to-head at one a piece.

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov returns a ball to Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas during their Geneva Open tournament tennis semi-final single match in Geneva on May 21, 2021. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) /

There were many break points throughout the match for both players, as Cuevas faced 10 break point chances, while Shapovalov faced five of his own. Although Shapovalov was broken twice on his own serve in the match, in the end, he was able to convert on four of his break point chances to take the match in straight sets.

It will be the first meeting between the two 22-year old’s when Ruud and Shapovalov meet in the Geneva Open final on Saturday. Both of them are up and coming stars on the ATP tour, as each of them are currently ranked inside the top 25 in the world rankings. It is Shapovalov who is currently ranked higher, as he sits at number 15 in the rankings, while Ruud sits at 21. I expect a great match between the two young stars, but give the Canadian the slight edge. I believe Shapovalov takes the title in Geneva in three sets.

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