“Beating Novak, which I have never done,” Casper Ruud is all giddy after he defeats Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo before setting up a final clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic to remain in ATP No.1 position despite Jannik Sinner inching closer, who also exited in the semifinals of Monte Carlo Masters.

Casper Ruud was ecstatic after his first ever win against Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Casper Ruud has always been known for winning the ATP 250 titles in his underrated career. But on Saturday the Norwegian has finally proven his critics wrong after beating Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo semifinals. He becomes the first Norwegian to defeat a No.1 player in the history of the ATP.

With such a sensational achievement, Ruud will also climb from No.10 to No.6 position regardless of whether he wins the final. However, the crux of Ruud’s victory is based on his resilient display against Djokovic, who he had failed to beat in precious five attempts. Before facing Djokovic, he had held a 0-11 record against Top-3 players and was out of favor against the Serbian.

Ruud’s opening set was a big drive for his win. He won 6-4 in the first set clubbing more than 10 winners, but lost his defense in the second set as Djokovic responded swiftly with a 6-1 win. In the third set, he made up for his second set slip with Djokovic mistakes. He went on to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam winner 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in two hours and seventeen minutes.

After the match, Ruud expressed how joyful he was but also said he was shocked after beating Djokovic for the first time in his career.

I am shocked. Just super happy. This is a day I will remember for a long time, beating the world No. 1 which I've never done and beating Novak, which I've never done.

Casper Ruud said

Ruud will be facing two-time Monte Carlo Masters champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. The Norwegian will be hoping to use his experience to beat the Greek and win his biggest career title. Both players are entitled to win the title after beating the favorites to get to the final.

Despite loss to Casper Ruud, Novak Djokovic will remain in No.1 position

Despite the heartbreaking loss on Saturday, Novak Djokovic will remain at No.1 after being scared he will lose his ranking position to Jannik Sinner. Sinner, who has climbed from 4th position in the ATP to 2nd, was the biggest opponent to leapfrog Djokovic in No.1.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has shown some encouraging signs from his Indian Wells third-round exit. Yet, with no titles to show for and his recent split with Goran Ivanisevic before Monte Carlo and then losing to Casper Ruud for the first time, the Serbian star needs to get his season on track before it is too late.