Casper Ruud 🇳🇴 vs Roman Safiullin 🇷🇺

🎾 Casper Ruud 🇳🇴 vs Roman Safiullin 🇷🇺 – ATP Toronto R2 Preview

📍 National Bank Open · Round of 32 · Outdoor Hard

🧠 Form & Context

Casper Ruud (ATP #13)

• 🤕 Fitness watch: Skipped the entire grass season due to a knee injury. Returned to the court in Gstaad but managed only an R16 win followed by a QF loss.
• 🏆 Hard-court history: Runner-up at US Open and champion in San Diego (2023). Toronto has been fruitful—QF in 2021, SF in 2022.
• 📉 Current form: Still finding rhythm post-injury; looked physically labored in Gstaad and was bagelled in his French Open R2 loss.

Roman Safiullin (ATP #82)

• 🔄 Rollercoaster year: 11–16 in 2025, with little momentum on any surface. Toronto R1 win helped lift his hard-court record to 7–8 this year.
• 🚀 Flashes of promise: Notable Miami run (R3) and Shanghai 2024 Top-20 win, but hasn’t strung together consistent ATP wins.
• 🎯 Big opportunity: With Ruud rusty and no head-to-head record, the Russian has a prime chance to land a statement win.

🔍 Match Breakdown

• Serve & Return: Safiullin has a solid but not overpowering serve, which Ruud can attack if he’s moving well. Ruud’s own serve, post-injury, lacks its usual bite—this could open up break chances.
• Baseline Battle: Ruud’s loopy, high-bouncing forehands force errors, but Safiullin’s flatter, more aggressive ground game may trouble Ruud if he can take time away early in rallies.
• Mental Dynamics: Ruud knows how to grind through three-setters and excels in North America. Safiullin must capitalize early if he’s to tilt momentum his way.
• Physical Concerns: Both players have something to prove—Ruud's mobility post-knee issue vs Safiullin’s ability to win extended rallies at this level.

🔮 Prediction

Expect a gritty contest with momentum swings. Ruud's tactical savvy and past experience at this tournament give him the edge—though it may not be pretty. Once he settles, his depth and forehand weight should pull him through.

💡 Pick: Casper Ruud in 3 sets (6–4, 3–6, 6–3)
🎯 Consider Over 22.5 Games or Ruud -1.5 Games Handicap if odds are favorable.