Ruud continues runs while Tsitsipas reach last four in Los Cabos

Casper Ruud continues his stunning debut campaign in Los Cabos with a resounding victory in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Norwegian, who has lost just six games to reach the semi-finals, defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-2 after losing only one game on Wednesday against Marcos Giron.

“Yesterday and today it’s been feeling really good, so I’m happy to be through to the semi-finals,” Ruud said. “I feel very good here in Los Cabos. I’m here for the first time, so I’m really enjoying my time and enjoying every day I can have here.”

After his victory, the fourth seed and former World No. 2 reached a 31st tour-level semi-final.

Ruud will next play second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who ousted Aleksandar Kovacevic 7-6(1), 6-3. He has split two previous meetings with Tsitsipas.

The Greek star dominated behind his first serve, winning 87% of those points, which made the difference in the match. Unfortunately, Kovacevic had a 3-0 lead in the first set, but was unable to maintain his level throughout the match as the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals champion battled his way in.

Tsitsipas is trying to gain momentum this week after losing in the first round of the Australian Open. He is the defending champion in Los Cabos.

#NextGenATP American Alex Michelsen looked primed for a spot in the last four himself when he won the first nine games of his match, but the 19-year-old was unable to close out Australian Jordan Thompson.

The No. 40 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings rallied from three match points down for a stunning 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 victory over Michelsen, who served for the match in the deciding set.

The Australian will face a tough test against top seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. The German won the final match of the evening against Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-4.