Casper Ruud
MADRID — Casper Ruud overcame a rib ailment to defeat Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets and reach the Madrid Open final on Friday.
Ruud received treatment on his rib three games into the match and went on to beat Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5 on the Caja Magica centre court.
The 15th-ranked Norwegian saved 15 of the 18 break points he faced against the 21st-ranked Argentine.
A former world No. 2, Ruud will return to the top 10 thanks to his campaign in Madrid.
He will play the final against sixth-ranked Jack Draper or 11th-ranked Lorenzo Musetti, who meet in the other semifinal later Friday.
Coco Gauff and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will meet in the women’s final on Saturday.