Geneva Open
Casper Ruud defended his Geneva Open title, defeating Joao Sousa 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(1) in the final.
The win is Ruud’s eighth career title and his seventh on clay.
In the longest final on the ATP Tour this year, Ruud managed to compose himself after a disappointing second set to claim victory over his Portuguese opponent in three hours.
"It was one of the craziest matches that I have ever played," he said in his on-court interview.
"It was a lot of up and down. Sousa was close to winning and then suddenly everything turns around and this is tennis."
Despite all the success he has experienced on clay, Ruud has never made it into the second week of the French Open.
Ruud’s quest for a maiden Grand Slam title will face an early test as he will come up against hometown favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Tsonga will be retiring after the French Open and will look to trouble his more fancied opponent.
Ruud will look to translate his success on the ATP Tour into a strong showing at the second Grand Slam of the year. The Norwegian will look to improve on the career-high ranking he achieved last month.
Lyon
Cameron Norrie claimed the first clay-court title of his career, defeating Alex Molcan 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-1 in the Lyon Open final.
The win continues an impressive two years for the No. 1 ranked British man. The win in Lyon was his fourth title since the start of 2021.
Norrie managed to compose himself after wasting two match point opportunities in the second set to outclass Molcan in the deciding set.
“It is my first title on the clay, so it means a lot to me,” Norrie said in his on-court interview.
“I can’t be happier with how I handled everything this week. This one feels the best so far. I don’t know why; it is just so special, and I couldn’t be happier and am really speechless right now. It was an incredible atmosphere. Thanks to everyone for coming out.”
Norrie now turns his attention to his first-round matchup at the French Open where he plays Frenchman and world No. 146, Manuel Guinard.
Norrie will be looking to make it to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
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