US Open – Semi-final: Casper Ruud dominates Karen Khachanov and qualifies for the final

Casper Ruud did (almost) not shake. More consistent throughout the match, the Norwegian logically overcame a blunt Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals of the US Open (7-6 [5], 6-2, 5.7, 6-2). Ruud did Ruud: not always spectacular but terribly effective, here he is for the second time this year in the final of a Major, after Roland-Garros. He will challenge Carlos Alcaraz or Frances Tiafoe, who face each other in the night. If the Spaniard yields to the American or the Norwegian in the final, Ruud will be world number one on Monday.

Ruud too solid, Khachanov blunt?

Coming back to earth was tough. Less than forty-eight hours after a magnificent Sinner-Alcaraz, this Ruud-Khachanov was a most ordinary match. Forget the highlights: the scarcity of flights and the multitude of faults never really gave relief to this semi-final between surprise guests. On arrival, the most experienced at this level got away with it. The least physically affected, too. Washed out by his two fights against Carreño Busta then Kyrgios, Khachanov did not have the weapons to compete. At least, when Ruud decided to accelerate.

Because if the Norwegian overall better mastered the event, his start was laborious. Broken twice in the first set, he needed a tie-break to get by (7-6 [5]). Once the machine was oiled, Khachanov was no longer able to compete (6-2 in the 2nd set)… before resurfacing in the third. His burst of pride as much as a drop in diet from Ruud gave him hope (5-7). Alas, the final result (6-2) of the fourth set symbolizes his chronic inconstancy in this match. His power in the service was an illusion (15 aces), but at this level, it is not enough.

Ruud (very) soon world number one?

Obviously, the Russian would have had to pull out all the stops to bring down Ruud. Even without offering a recital, the Norwegian played simply. Very skilful at the net (87% success) and on his service (83% of points won on his first ball), he redoubled his ingenuity to reach a second final in three months. Unlike Roland, where his extended fights against Rublev then Cilic had drained him of energy in the final, he will be fresh on Sunday. Enough to be a protagonist against Alcaraz or Tiafoe to give yourself a chance at the first Grand Slam – and a throne in the ATP rankings.