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CASPER Ruud stumbled to defeat against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka as the French Open and US Open runner-up bowed out in the Korea Open quarter-finals.
World number two Ruud lost 6-2 3-6 6-2 in Seoul on Friday as the Norwegian found the going too tough in his first tournament in Asia for three years.
Ranked 56th before this week, Nishioka is one win away from vaulting back into the top 50, potentially going beyond his highest ranking of 48th if he reaches the final.
He said, quoted on the ATP website: “I feel great. My motivation is very high. I am playing very well, very smart.”
Assessing top seed Ruud, Nishioka said: “I know he came from Europe and played at the Laver Cup, which is not easy matches. He wasn’t settled on this court or this country yet, maybe.
“I was ready. I was focused on playing against him and I had a plan and it worked.”
Nishioka had an outstanding run to the Washington final in August, before losing out to Nick Kyrgios in the title match.
That was a major outlier in his season, which has consisted largely of early-round defeats.
His semi-final opponent will be American Aleksandar Kovacevic, a 24-year-old world number 222 who is enjoying the biggest week of his career.
A “lucky loser” and handed his place in the draw when a spot opened up, Kovacevic has taken full advantage.
He beat compatriot Mackenzie McDonald 4-6 6-3 6-2 in their last-eight battle.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov, still seeking a first final appearance of the year, moved one step away by beating Moldova’s Radu Albot 6-2 6-2.
He set up a clash with American Jenson Brooksby, who was handed a bye due to Cameron Norrie pulling out with illness.(dpa/NAN)
Tags: Aleksandar Kovacevic Casper Ruud Denis Shapovalov French Open and US Open Jenson Brooksby Mackenzie McDonald Nick Kyrgios Yoshihito Nishioka
