On Sunday, May 14, at the Italian Open in Rome, Alexander Bublik playfully taunted Casper Ruud with a fake underarm serve, drawing laughter from the audience. In a hard-fought match, Ruud ultimately emerged victorious with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(0), advancing to the fourth round of the tournament.
Bublik’s Unconventional Shots
During the match, Bublik had the opportunity to showcase his unconventional shot-making skills. He initially gestured that he would play an underarm serve, but quickly changed his mind and put his hands up as an apology towards Ruud. However, Bublik was not done yet: he prepared to serve again, this time executing a fake underarm shot. Ruud was ready for it and returned the shot, but Bublik could not connect with his racquet.
Ruud’s Success at the Italian Open
The Italian Open has been one of Ruud’s most successful events. He has reached the semifinals in his last two appearances in Rome, stating in an on-court interview, “It’s been a very good tournament for me in my career… I have a lot of good memories from here, and the Italian fans are incredible…” He added that playing on the Pietrangeli court was an incredible experience.
Appreciation for Bublik’s Shot-making Skills
Ruud and Bublik have always maintained a cordial relationship during their matches. In their latest clash, Ruud couldn’t help but appreciate Bublik’s impressive shot-making skills and his ability to engage the crowd with his antics. Ruud commented, “He can do everything from a 40 km/h drop shot underarm serve to 220 out wide, a bomb… He starts hitting underarm serves and gets the crowd involved even though he’s down.” Following his victory, Ruud will face Laslo Djere in the fourth round of the Italian Open on Tuesday, May 16.
