Ruud beats Darderi to storm into first Rome final
Casper Ruud is through to the Italian Open showpiece for the first time after cruising past Luciano Darderi, who could not cause an upset in his maiden ATP-1000 semi-final.
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Despite falling at this stage on three previous occasions, Ruud ensured he would not suffer the fate again as he triumphed 6-1 6-1, despite a nearly two-hour rain delay.
The pair traded breaks early in the first set, and at 4-1, Ruud looked in total control while sitting on a break point, but then the rain began.
After the resumption, the Norwegian quickly settled back into his rhythm, winning five of the six points to wrap up the set.
He then reeled off the first four games of the second as well before home favourite Darderi managed to pull a game back with a love-hold.
Ruud was pushed all the way in the final two games, going to deuce five times on his next serve – and holding off a break point in the process – but he got the job done, converting his third match point.
He will face either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev for the trophy on Monday (AEST).
