French Open Upset: Ruud And Tsitsipas Exit Early, Swiatek Dominates

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Casper Ruud's Unexpected Early Exit

Casper Ruud, a frequent contender on the clay courts and a previous French Open finalist, suffered an unexpected early exit, shocking many tennis enthusiasts. His performance fell significantly short of expectations, raising questions about his form and preparation leading up to Roland Garros. The key factors contributing to this upset deserve closer examination.

• Unexpected loss in the Fourth Round to Holger Rune. Ruud's defeat to Rune, a rising star on the ATP tour, was a significant blow. Rune's aggressive baseline game and powerful forehand proved too much for Ruud to handle consistently.
• Struggles with his second serve. Ruud's usually reliable second serve was noticeably less effective this year. The lack of consistent placement and pace allowed Rune to dictate points more effectively, putting pressure on Ruud's return game.
• Impact of Rune's aggressive playing style. Rune's relentless attacking style overwhelmed Ruud's more defensive approach on several occasions. The Norwegian struggled to find openings in Rune's game and was consistently forced onto the back foot.
• Analysis of Ruud's pre-tournament form and preparation. While Ruud had shown some good form leading up to the French Open, there were also some inconsistencies. Perhaps a lack of peak match fitness played a role in his early exit.

Stefanos Tsitsipas' Disappointing Campaign

Stefanos Tsitsipas, another clay court specialist and considered a strong contender for the title, also suffered a disappointing early exit, adding to the list of French Open upsets. His performance was marked by inconsistencies, and several factors contributed to his underperformance.

• Loss in the Third Round against Francisco Cerúndolo. Tsitsipas’ defeat to the Argentinian qualifier was a major surprise, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Cerúndolo's powerful serve and aggressive baseline play proved difficult for Tsitsipas to handle.
• Possible impact of a minor shoulder injury. Reports surfaced suggesting Tsitsipas was playing with a minor shoulder injury, which might have hampered his ability to serve effectively and generate power on his groundstrokes. This injury, even if minor, could have significantly impacted his performance.
• Comparison with his previous French Open performances. Tsitsipas has had previous success at Roland Garros, reaching the semi-finals in 2021. This year's early exit starkly contrasts his past achievements, emphasizing the challenges faced this year.
• Analysis of his strategic choices during the tournament. Some commentators suggested Tsitsipas' tactical approach wasn't optimal against Cerúndolo. Perhaps adjusting his strategy to counter Cerúndolo's aggressive style might have yielded different results.

Iga Swiatek's Unwavering Dominance

While upsets shook the men's draw, Iga Swiatek's performance remained a beacon of consistency. The Pole continued her reign of dominance on the clay courts, showcasing exceptional skill and mental fortitude.

• Current winning streak at the French Open. Swiatek extended her impressive streak at Roland Garros, demonstrating her mastery of the clay courts. Her consistent performance under pressure sets her apart.
• Impressive victories against tough opponents such as Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek's wins against top-ranked players solidified her position as the frontrunner for the title. These victories demonstrated her ability to handle pressure and rise to the occasion against formidable competition.
• Analysis of her playing style and tactical prowess on clay. Swiatek's combination of power, precision, and court coverage makes her a formidable opponent on the clay, especially her consistent ability to dictate play from the baseline.
• Her mental strength and ability to handle pressure. Swiatek's resilience and ability to maintain focus throughout the tournament are key factors in her continued success.

Other Notable Upsets at the French Open 2024

Beyond the headline-grabbing exits of Ruud and Tsitsipas, several other surprising results added to the unpredictable nature of this year's French Open. The early defeats of [mention other seeded players and their opponents] highlight the increasing competitiveness of the men's and women's tours.

Conclusion

The 2024 French Open has proven to be full of surprises, with the early exits of top seeds Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas creating significant waves. However, Iga Swiatek continues to dominate, showcasing her exceptional skill and unwavering determination. The tournament highlighted the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis and the importance of peak form on the challenging clay courts. The upsets served as a reminder that even the most favored players can be vulnerable, especially on the unpredictable clay courts of Roland Garros.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for more updates on the thrilling French Open and follow our coverage for continued analysis of the remaining matches. Don't miss out on the action as the tournament unfolds – more potential French Open upsets could be on the horizon!