– Usually, it takes more to become a world champion: that one has won slightly bigger tournaments and been further ahead in a Grand Slam context. But it’s not Ruud’s or Alcaraz’s fault, says Jonas Björkman to news. The Swedish tennis legend and former number four in the world has allowed himself to be greatly impressed by Casper Ruud this season. On Friday, Björkman and an entire tennis world will be glued to the screen when the 22-year-old plays for a US Open final against Russian Karen Khatsjanov. SWEDISH PROFILE: Jonas Björkman was number four in the ranking in 1997 and has twice been ranked as the best doubles player in the world. Photo: TOBIAS RÖSTLUND / NTB It is still not “just” a final ticket and potentially NOK 26 million in the pot for the Norwegian: Casper Ruud can also shoot to the top of the rankings – and become the best tennis player in the world. – Decisions drawn from the “Verdseinar duel” are now most likely between Ruud and the Spanish super talent Carlos Alcaraz. If Ruud wins the prestigious tournament, he will go to the top of the world rankings. If Ruud reaches the final, he will be number one as long as he does not meet Alcaraz. If the two meet in the final, it is the winner who ends up as the champion. Jonas Björkman, who had his heyday in the 90s and 2000s, thinks Ruud and Alcaraz wish they could earn the title in another way. – For their part, it would probably have felt better if they were given the opportunity when they have progressed further in their careers and had results that make you really feel that you are there. At the same time, they cannot do anything about it. There are fences drawn all around. They just have to make the best of it, says Björkman. NEW CELEBRATION?: There could be more champagne for Carlos Alcaraz. The great talent can, like Ruud, become a world champion during the US Open. Photo: JUAN MEDINA / Reuters The decisions the Swede is referring to are that ranking points were not awarded during Wimbledon, as a result of the decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players from London. At the same time, former world number one Novak Djokovic has missed several important tournaments and ranking points because he has refused to take the corona vaccine. Francke is undecided. The 50-year-old hopes that both Ruud and Alcaraz will make it to the final and settle the battle for the world title in the powerful Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. – It would have been fairer. Then both would have deserved it, he says. The Norwegian tennis expert Christer Francke, for his part, believes that Ruud should not care about how he eventually ends up as world champion. – That’s how it is in sports. Someone is injured, someone is sick and someone is not there. If you’re number one, then you’re number one, says Francke and continues: – In ten years, no one will be talking about who was there and who wasn’t. TWO METERS: Russian Karen Khatsjanov is Ruud’s last obstacle before the US Open final. Khatjanov is 1.98 meters tall and is known for his enormous reach. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AP Holds Ruud as favorite Both Francke and Björkman hold a button on Ruud in the semi-final against Karen Khatsjanov on Friday. The two have met once before – on gravel – then it was the Norwegian who came out victorious. – It is clear that Casper has very good opportunities to become number one. Nevertheless, it is easy for many to think that he is the favorite against the Russian. I hope he didn’t put too much pressure on himself. He just has to play like he has done so far in the US Open. But Khatjanov will be deadly as he is an underdog, Björkman points out. MIGHTY ARENA: Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world with room for over 23,000 spectators. Photo: Geoff Burke / Reuters The Russian, who is a whopping 1.98 centimeters on the plinth, is known for his enormous reach. He hits hard and often takes big risks in his game. Francke believes that the key for Ruud will be to push Khatjanov backwards on the track and wear him out. – If Casper can do that, it is a big advantage for him. Then Casper can come in with his forehand. There is a lot to be decided here, but the Russian showed in the quarter-finals that he has a big game in him, so he must be very well prepared, says Francke. The semi-final between Ruud and Khatsjanov will be played at 21.00 Norwegian time. The second semi-final will be played on Saturday at 01.00.
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Ruud can become world champion – expert thinks it will be with a twist – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
