Back to the future

The Ruud of the past only won on earth, then he was an excellent finalist at Grand Slams, and now he doesn't do much. When will the new Ruud arrive?!

There is something better about Casper, you have to give him that. Even though Struff wasn't in his best form, Ruud doesn't like this kind of player and beats him 2-0. Then against Etcheverry, he "clutch" a little by neutralizing the dozens of fiery forehands from the Argentine and being, as usual, very realistic in important moments (even lucky sometimes). Can we trust him? Not yet in my opinion. He plays a fit, confident Nishioka against whom he already lost in Seoul last season. The Japanese will certainly lock him on his backhand with his left-handed paw, and we know Casper's somewhat weak backhand. Nishioka will then obtain attacking balls, even fouls, and open up along the line. He will begin undermining work by varying a lot (height, spin, power, attack, defense, volleys, left-handed short crosses, etc.) with the success that accompanies players with confidence. Will Casper hold out... Theoretically yes, because he is much stronger. Practically, I don't know. The surface is to his advantage, and if he serves well he will be able to take more risks in return, especially on the second ball that is too slow from the Jap. If he loses he will be dearly charged by the media 😅. THE question is: at 1.45, is it worth going for him...