Casper Ruud now has 10 titles in his career. All are ATP250 titles with not one win over a top 10 player. Majoring in minors?

Is Casper Ruud the king of majoring in minor tournaments?

  • Yes, quite clearly

  • Yes, but good on him for smart scheduling

  • No, he's very good at it but others have been better

  • No, his other results show he's a worthy top 5 player


Results are only viewable after voting.

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
Casper Ruud. A former #2. Now back to #4. He's won 10 titles on tour.

ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Hard
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay

He holds the 10th most titles on tour now. Ahead of Tsitsipas on 9 along with Dimitrov and Alcaraz on 8.

In all 10 of his title victories, he didn't defeat a single top 10 player. He won 3 of the 250 titles back to back to back making it a 13 match winning streak. The highest player defeated in those 3 title runs was #49 in the world.

Players like Jack Sock have a Masters title. Basilashvili has won two ATP500 titles, Ugo Humbert won a 500 defeating two top 10 players. Karatsev won Dubai 500 with wins over Sinner and Rublev.

Can we say Ruud has majored in minors so far?
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
In Ruud's defense.

He has made two slam finals last year.

Again, not a single top 10 player faced. In his first slam final he lost 3-6 3-6 0-6 winning just 6 games. He fared better in the USO final winning a set at least.

He has also made a Masters final before where he lost in straight sets. 5-7 4-6.
He also made the WTF Final where he again lost in straight sets 5-7 3-6.
 

Rafa4LifeEver

G.O.A.T.
Casper Ruud. A former #2. Now back to #4. He's won 10 titles on tour.

ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Hard
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay
ATP250 - Clay

He holds the 10th most titles on tour now. Ahead of Tsitsipas on 9 along with Dimitrov and Alcaraz on 8.

In all 10 of his title victories, he didn't defeat a single top 10 player. He won 3 of the 250 titles back to back to back making it a 13 match winning streak. The highest player defeated in those 3 title runs was #49 in the world.

Players like Jack Sock have a Masters title. Basilashvili has won two ATP500 titles, Ugo Humbert won a 500 defeating two top 10 players. Karatsev won Dubai 500 with wins over Sinner and Rublev.

Can we say Ruud has majored in minors so far?
Definitely yes. Although saying that he's been smart with his scheduling will be taking things too far imo. This guy compromised his chances to go deep at AO by playing some weird exhos all around in the off season.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Smart guy for understanding his strengths and maximising the opportunities in front of him. Not the most compelling player to watch, but I enjoy his serve. It’s sneaky explosive and looks like an efficient smooth motion.

If you ever wanted to see what a righty Nadal with only ‘standard’ pro athlete talent might look like, look no further.
 

LaVie en Rose

Hall of Fame
Ferrer's 2nd career title was a 500 title which included a top 10 win over Berdych.

In Ruud's 10 career titles, none are 500 or above and none include a top 10 win.

What Ferrer did on his 2nd title, Ruud has never done in 10.
Nitpicking. David has GS F less and also got there thanks to draw opening ... Besides why not giving 24 yo more time to win ATP500?
 

Jonesy

Legend
Thank goodness Sinner is kicking his ass out of top 5 this year. Alcaraz is the legit number 2, this year will be so much better without the political mess from last year and Ruud not receiving nadraws at RG and USO.

I sure hope he faces Djokovic, Alcaraz or Sinner at slams.
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
Nitpicking. David has GS F less and also got there thanks to draw opening ... Besides why not giving 24 yo more time to win ATP500?
Ferrer was in the toughest era in history with the big 3 while Ruud has scooped 10 250 titles without a top 10 win and he himself has never defeated Djokovic or Nadal or Medvedev or Alcaraz or Thiem.... like come on lmao.

Also not saying Ruud won't win a 500, just highlighting how he hasn't and has majored in minor tournaments.
 

tennis3

Hall of Fame
Would anyone care if ruud won those extremely prestigious 500 events Rio or Hamburg? 80% of the entire tour is made up of 250 events, should they just ban top 10 players from playing them?
If Rudd was “Kyrgios cool” everyone would be lauding his amazing talent. Rudd could win 3 majors and most people would still criticize him.
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
Would anyone care if ruud won those extremely prestigious 500 events Rio or Hamburg? 80% of the entire tour is made up of 250 events, should they just ban top 10 players from playing them?
I mean it would make it look a lot less embarrassing that the former #2 and current #4 has never won anything above a 250. Also it's the fact he's won TEN of them and not once defeated a top 10 player. It's a culmination of it all...
 

LaVie en Rose

Hall of Fame
Comes with the territory when you’re good enough to beat the rest but not quite good enough to beat the best.

Ferrer was objectively an outstanding tennis player, but to the big dogs he was just another meal.
I agree. This OP thread/ opening post reminded me of the way David was criticized on other t.d. platforms years ago. Tennis fans never change it seems
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
If Rudd was “Kyrgios cool” everyone would be lauding his amazing talent. Rudd could win 3 majors and most people would still criticize him.
Um no. I hate Kyrgios. And i'm Australian so I really should be a fan. If Ruud won 3 majors or even 1 major I wouldn't criticize him. Stupid post.
 

tennis3

Hall of Fame
Um no. I hate Kyrgios. And i'm Australian so I really should be a fan. If Ruud won 3 majors or even 1 major I wouldn't criticize him. Stupid post.
Not everything is about you.

As an example, Medvedev has a major, numerous titles and top 10 wins. He’s heavily criticized.

Zverev.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I could go on, but hopefully you get the point
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
Comes with the territory when you’re good enough to beat the rest but not quite good enough to beat the best.

Ferrer was objectively an outstanding tennis player, but to the big dogs he was just another meal.
Just another meal? Compare Ruud to Ferrer and you might change your mind.

Ruud has not a single win over:
Djokovic
Nadal
Medvedev
Alcaraz
Thiem
Wawrinka

Ferrer defeated Nadal 6 times, defeated Djokovic 5 times, Murray 6 times, Roddick 7 times, Hewitt 3 times, Safin, Kuerten and Agassi once.

Ruud has defeated nobody big. His biggest win is either Tsitsipas in Madrid or Zverev in Miami. Neither are slam champions. Neither were at slams.
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
Not everything is about you.

As an example, Medvedev has a major, numerous titles and top 10 wins. He’s heavily criticized.

Zverev.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I could go on, but hopefully you get the point
You said everyone, I gave you my opinion, maybe next time don't say everyone because I think you'd find ALOT of people wouldn't care if he was "Kyrgios cool" because Kyrgios is hated by many and the criticism of Ruud isn't because of who he is but because of his weak accomplishments.
 

LaVie en Rose

Hall of Fame
Ferrer was in the toughest era in history with the big 3 while Ruud has scooped 10 250 titles without a top 10 win and he himself has never defeated Djokovic or Nadal or Medvedev or Alcaraz or Thiem.... like come on lmao.

Also not saying Ruud won't win a 500, just highlighting how he hasn't and has majored in minor tournaments.
I could swear the likes of you would be mocking David if it was 2010..2013 .But hey go on
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Just another meal? Compare Ruud to Ferrer and you might change your mind.

Ruud has not a single win over:
Djokovic
Nadal
Medvedev
Alcaraz
Thiem
Wawrinka

Ferrer defeated Nadal 6 times, defeated Djokovic 5 times, Murray 6 times, Roddick 7 times, Hewitt 3 times, Safin, Kuerten and Agassi once.

Ruud has defeated nobody big. His biggest win is either Tsitsipas in Madrid or Zverev in Miami. Neither are slam champions. Neither were at slams.
So what? Should Ruud issue a formal apology for winning the ‘wrong’ tennis matches?

Ferrer got butchered repeatedly on the big stage, don’t pretend otherwise lol.
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
I could swear the likes of you would be mocking David if it was 2010..2013 .But hey go on
An era that had Federer, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, Del Potro, Berdych, Ferrer? Not at all.

Look at the SF's of the slams in those years, it was consistently all top 10 players.

Look at who Ruud faced in his two slam SF's. #20 Cilic and #27 Khachanov.

Ferrer made 5 slam SF's in between 2010-2013 (the years you picked). Who he faced in those SF's?
2011 Aus Open opponent? #5 Murray
2012 French Open opponent? #2 Nadal
2012 US Open opponent? #2 Djokovic
2013 Aus Open opponent? #1 Djokovic
2013 French Open opponent? #6 Tsonga (Ferrer won)

Seriously don't even try to compare Cilic and Khachanov to Nadal, Novak and Murray lol.
 

Aussie Darcy

Bionic Poster
So what? Should Ruud issue a formal apology for winning the ‘wrong’ tennis matches?

Ferrer got butchered repeatedly on the big stage, don’t pretend otherwise lol.
Can you please read next time please? I asked if he majors in minors. It's literally in the poll. I didn't ask for an apology, good for Ruud for easy scheduling and being poor against the big guys. At least Ferrer defeated the big 3 multiple times.
 

LaVie en Rose

Hall of Fame
I'll leave your little thread&you here in your rightful rage:rolleyes: Yet I'm still somehow 100% sure you would be mocking David being trashed by Djokovic or Nadal 2013...
 

Lauren_Girl'

Hall of Fame
It's weird to see guys like Norrie, Coric, Hurkacz or PCB winning a Masters1000. But Ruud with 3 Major finals (if I include WTF) and a #2 rank can't even win a 500.
 

MeatTornado

Talk Tennis Guru
The concerning part about Ruud isn't even the lack of titles, it's that he's not even going deep in these 500s & 1000s. That's why his RG & USO runs felt like such flukes last year.

He's also wasting too much energy on these 250s imo. He played in 6 different 250s last year.
 

K-H

Hall of Fame
Good catch to pick up on that but calm down.

He’s done well with limited weapons he has. No need to hate in the guy. Looks like you’re just bashing him. He doesn’t look athletically gifted, his FH is decent but the rest of the game, isn’t anything special. He’s managed to get 2 GS finals out of his limited game, I’d say he’s done well.

I mean everyone praises the likes of nadal, Djokovic and federer, but they didn’t get there with just hard work and mental strength. They were extremely talented. For all we know, Ruud could be working harder than them. Just not as lucky to be dealt as good of a hand.
 

thisiscrazy

Semi-Pro
Somewhat related and perhaps a little more surprising, I think I read somewhere that Gasquet has never won a tournement above the 250 level (singles only) either. Kind of surprising considering how long he has been around.
 

JustMy2Cents

Hall of Fame
denigrating a player for not beating top 10 players on his run to a title is a tired narrative.

please remember top 10 rank is a year long performance and need not reflect current form of any player.

if you are just going by top 10 ranking to judge the worthiness of a player's win, then Rune is GOAT.

Holger Rune becomes first ever player to beat 5 Top-10 players in single ATP Tour event​

 

ichaseballs

Hall of Fame
ruud is a clay court player. the fact is he plays well on hard court, but that is not his main surface.
also there are way less clay court matches in a year, so odds are not in your favor.

he seems pretty genuine and hard working. hard to not like the guy.
he only has beef with rune, and after i saw rune yell at his mom for cheering him on i was turned off. (plus my man stan gave his (n) about rune)
 

TheNachoMan

Legend
He got to #2 because of Wimbledon points being removed, Djokovic ban, Medvedev in a slump, Zverev injured, etc. But he’s done well for the limited talent he has.
 

JustMy2Cents

Hall of Fame
Ruud has the Most ATP ranking points earned at Grand Slams, last 52 weeks: seems pretty good results in majors if you ask me.
Can you please read next time please? I asked if he majors in minors. It's literally in the poll. I didn't ask for an apology, good for Ruud for easy scheduling and being poor against the big guys. At least Ferrer defeated the big 3 multiple times.
 

Mainad

Bionic Poster
Just another meal? Compare Ruud to Ferrer and you might change your mind.

Ruud has not a single win over:
Djokovic
Nadal
Medvedev
Alcaraz
Thiem
Wawrinka

Ferrer defeated Nadal 6 times, defeated Djokovic 5 times, Murray 6 times, Roddick 7 times, Hewitt 3 times, Safin, Kuerten and Agassi once.

Ruud has defeated nobody big. His biggest win is either Tsitsipas in Madrid or Zverev in Miami. Neither are slam champions. Neither were at slams.

He does have a win over Murray (2022) albeit not classic Murray of course.
 

Mainad

Bionic Poster
Somewhat related and perhaps a little more surprising, I think I read somewhere that Gasquet has never won a tournement above the 250 level (singles only) either. Kind of surprising considering how long he has been around.

Gasquet has 16 titles (placing him joint 9th with Isner and Wawrinka on the leaderboard of current titlists) , all at 250 level.
 

junior74

Bionic Poster
I think the Ruud bashing is getting boring. Compared to Berrettini, Shapovalov, Hurkacz etc, he is a more professional athlete than those guys, works harder, moves better, improves more and plays with a lot more consistency in his game.

I am not a huge fan of his tennis, but I think pointing at Ruud when the tour is weak is not a fair verdict.

If Ferrer would have been #1 in the world on today's tour, so be it. It doesn't make Ruud any worse, it tells more about the tour.
 

dking68

Legend
Thank goodness Sinner is kicking his ass out of top 5 this year. Alcaraz is the legit number 2, this year will be so much better without the political mess from last year and Ruud not receiving nadraws at RG and USO.

I sure hope he faces Djokovic, Alcaraz or Sinner at slams.
He ain’t defending those 1200 points. Mark my words
 

junior74

Bionic Poster
He ain’t defending those 1200 points. Mark my words

The scene would be even worse, had Ruud not stretched his ankle the day before AO 22. He was in his best HC form ever, with fresh WTF finalist and his first HC title just before that. He would very likely have made it to R4/ QF and then he would have been #1 at the USO :eek:

It would be extremely surprising if Ruud made a slam final this year, unless his form improves dramatically.
 

dking68

Legend
The scene would be even worse, had Ruud not stretched his ankle the day before AO 22. He was in his best HC form ever, with fresh WTF finalist and his first HC title just before that. He would very likely have made it to R4/ QF and then he would have been #1 at the USO :eek:

It would be extremely surprising if Ruud made a slam final this year, unless his form improves dramatically.
Honestly I didn’t see him making the quarters. Wasn’t he drawn in the same section as Fritz? But unfortunately both lost early, but if they were to play against each other I think Fritz would’ve beaten Ruud, seeing the form Fritz has been on this year
 
In Ruud's defense.

He has made two slam finals last year.

Again, not a single top 10 player faced. In his first slam final he lost 3-6 3-6 0-6 winning just 6 games. He fared better in the USO final winning a set at least.

He has also made a Masters final before where he lost in straight sets. 5-7 4-6.
He also made the WTF Final where he again lost in straight sets 5-7 3-6.

At least he did beat a top ten player en route to the Masters final and three top ten players en route to the WTF final (although none of the players he beat at the WTF were top five players. Making the final of an event that is supposed to feature only the top eight players without beating any of the top five players is a rather Ruud-esque accomplishment!
 
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