Join is LIVE as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Casper Ruud in opening week ahead of the Australian Open 2024.

Subscribe to keep up with the latest from the Australian Open: http://bit.ly/AustralianOpenTV

Welcome to the official Australian Open TV YouTube channel. The Australian Open 2024 main draw runs from 14-28 January in Melbourne. The tournament takes place for the 112th time and is the first Grand Slam of the year. Novak Djokovic is the men’s singles reigning champion and Aryna Sabalenka is the women’s singles reigning champion. The tournament takes place on 25 hard courts, including Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena. Look out for highlights, press conferences, memorable moments and much more!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianOpen
X: https://twitter.com/australianopen
Instagram: https://instagram.com/australianopen/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ausopen
Website: https://ausopen.com/

Follow breaking news, updates, highlights and more on:
Nine (Australia): https://wwos.nine.com.au
Eurosport (Europe): https://www.eurosport.com
ESPN (Americas): https://www.espn.com
beIN Sports (South East Asia, MENA): https://www.beinsports.com
And visit: https://www.ausopen.com/broadcasters for all our broadcast partners worldwide

[Applause] sport in this country on this country it’s what we do it’s our culture that’s why we punch above our weight on the global sporting stage that’s why when Australians started hitting tennis courts around the world the world noticed at and when we brought it home we just did things different there we

Have and sure things might be a bit more relaxed but we slam with the best of them Midnight mad it’s where challenges become Champions and champions become Legends best there’s no atmosphere like it and the players know it it hits harder it hits faster and now it hits

Longer nothing hits like this oh that’s so good 24 hits [Applause] different and the best possible lead in to a grand slam you could hope for continues tonight this evening in Melbourne a bit of warmth around and a bit of Buzz as well an opening week for

The third night in a row we’re about to light up Rod labor Arena before the real thing starts on Sunday the 2024 Australian Open and Carlos alcarez is getting ready he’s out here again tonight the Spanish Wonder kid up against Norway’s best Casper rude so it’s high quality tennis

Under the roof at the moment we’ll open it up for the match from Rod labor Arena a big crowd in anticipation once again hello and welcome to This Magnificent Court Adam peacock alongside Laura Robson Olympic tennis medalist and Laura great to see you once again welcome back

To norn Park thank you for having me The Vibes are Immaculate so far the crowd is is filtering in and we can’t wait to see some great tennis and yeah we’ve been hot we’ve been sweaty today’s been tough well last night with Novak it was more like a sports Carnival and it was

Verging at times on a circus tonight’s a bit more serious and players usually play against top quality opponents or or friends or whatever uh in the week leading up but what does it do for a player having a crowd like this to build them up it changes everything you feel

Like this is a real match environment they’ve got the ball kids they’ve got the Hawkeye and uh Everything feels a little bit more serious so it’s exactly the sort of preparation that you want leading into the first round well players are waiting I can see them let’s get them out here

Yeah that’s nice from wow what an angle that operator in the driver seat here what athleticism and please welcome back to Melbourne Rod Laver Arena he’s a three-time grand slam finalist from Norway Casper R Casper great to see you back in Melbourne is this the perfect preparation because you’ve got the crowd

You’ve got the atmosphere and you’re already playing a night match on Rod laer the tournament’s not even started yes I would say so perfect uh preparations to get Australian Open going uh the quality is obviously been play this week so we’ve been looking around but uh we’re starting on Sunday

Um not in my case but I’ll have a couple of extra days and perfect prepar preparation to play against Carlos and you went undefeated last week at the United cup obviously this is a practice match but there’s still bragging rights on offer what can we expect from you uh

Well I think we’re going to give it our all we just talked on the back room you know are we playing full or what’s going on here I haven’t played but I saw he played Alex the other day and they said yeah we’re going to play full and it’s

Like a good practice session so whoever you know made the better man toade win have fun out there thank you and Casper’s opponent tonight please welcome back to Rod labor Arena the reigning Wimbledon champion the 2022 US Open champion from Spain Carlos alarz Carlos it’s been a busy week for

You this is your second time out here already what was the atmosphere like the other night and you looking forward to more of it t well uh here atmosphere is always great you know uh since uh well every time that I play here I felt the the love

From the people the people here are so so involved in the you know in the tennis in the sport so I’m really really happy to to be here again and play in front of all of you and we know your skill level on the court is off the

Charts your athleticism is there any particular trick shots you’ve been working on in the offseason and are we going to see them well uh I’ll try I’ll try you know to uh make those those SS is something that I I’m practicing you know every practice and make me happy you know playing

Playing tennis playing on the uh on the course so I try to make them happy as well I think there’s not a better way to to do it uh making those thought so I’ll try to put it today enjoy it thank you so the players are getting set the

Hit up and play is not too far away on Rod labor Arena [Applause] Oh Hi how are you okay guys first a photo with Lucy this way and then that way please and the other side please thank you thank you okay guys uh just a few reminder the format is a two t bre set final set my bre okay lead machine is on

Uh we have a shot clock everywhere um for the towel you take blue you take red one okay any questions no all right we have a and uh AO AO is called thank you just thr it y please thank you good job receive okay have a good [Applause] match

One of the biggest stages in the world of ten the tension within Rod labor arena is extraordinary i’ would like to thank Rod labor Arena I love you each year more and more listen to the [Applause] noise this is sporting theater big crowd big Stadium there nothing better than

Playing on this court this is the best PT in Australia he’s a perfect 10 the making let the celebrations Begin and of Thean and a beautiful moment just a short time ago Lucy artist was out there and uh yeah she’s got a big smile on her face uh she was out there tossing the coin for Carlos alarz and also Casper R ahead of this one and proceeds from the

AO charity matches go to the Australian tennis Foundation to support Brier futures for kids through tennis like in Lucy’s case as well and help the Australian tennis Foundation Inspire brighter Futures donate now at oop. comom yeah Lucy’s had huge amounts of health problems and happily I can report

John Fitzgerald and Dave cber our commentators this evening she’s 12 months removed from that needs close observation for 5 years and puts everything in perspective evening Jens good evening to you Adam yes every best wish to Lucy and wonderful to see that huge smile well what a match we’ve got

In store here it’s a reprise of the 2022 US Open final between two players who have been number one and two in the world it’s the ultimate final tuneup for the 24 Australian Open between caros alcarez and this man Casper Roode the world number 11 10 titles three-time

Grand Slam runner up and he’s been in hot form with those three United Cup wins that Laura told us about he did meet hanik cner at kuong a couple of days ago and had a toret encounter there 62 63 but U he’ll be looking forward to this one against Carlos elarz who we

Enjoyed thoroughly the other night John fitzgeral watching against Alex demon or that was fantastic tennis good evening good evening David yeah high octane wasn’t it uh deor and alcro two of the fastest players on the circuit you would think demono was exceptional the other night so I think Carlos tonight before

The menu really starts on Sunday and the main event he’ll want to get a win under his Bel I would have thought well it’s interesting that good forms winning form isn’t it winning form’s good form you want to keep it going and he he would

Want the win and for rude he’s been good at the United cup but he’s four and zip against Carlos elarz so he’d want to try and have that boost as well so wst it’s an exhibition match and um Casper said in the introduction with Laura that he

Wants to come out here and play some serious tennis there’s you want to go in feeling good about yourself for the first round I think so look rud accomplished player he’s been in three grand SL finals and he was ranked two in the world and as we know this man was is

A former number one Wonder as a younger by the way he’s already been number one rude is improving I think Dave he’s trying to extend uh his skill set on a tennis court he’s trying to diversify a little bit have a more of an all Court

Game you could see it in Sydney in the uh Nations cup and uh the United cup I should say excuse me and uh he’s trying to extend um his repertoire coming into the netm he’s serving serving harder mixing it up the three wins in the united cup were

All in straight set so you came into some strong form you mentioned elarz getting to number one that came after that US Open Victory and rude went in as the world number five and went out as the world number two so they were one and two in

The world for that period of time after that US Open of 2022 RS back to 11 now and that would probably sting a little bit as well to be a top 10 player yeah I think so look just because you touch number two doesn’t mean you stay there all the time

It’s it’s a a difficult 12 difficult 12 month cycle on the on the ranking system and it takes no prisoners shows no forgiveness if you don’t win enough matches so we’re going to play two sets and if it goes to a third we’ll play a 10o tiebreaker to Crown the one that can

Boast of the win warm day in Melbourne hottest day we’ve had for some time and I think everybody’s felt the increase in temperature whether you’re just a patron walking around a commentator certainly some of the players in the final round of qualifying really did feel the heat on the outside courts

And this Stadium will heat up again too the roof’s been closed probably the best part of couple of hours and was warm and cools down with the air conditioning inside and now the roof is open still over 30° outside pled for service help another good crowd in again appetite for tennis strong in

Melbourne had plenty of opportunities opening week here ter all I think that’s a good indication you know Casper Roode uh is prepared to move forward these days a little more um follow the ball in you get a short ball like that you might as well put it away

And be there at the if it does float back gee that’s power isn’t it you know you look at the frame of alcaraz and you it doesn’t instantly hit you that he can produce this much power but the timing and the racket head speed he out of nowhere that forehand

Came and then follows it up with this particularly when he’s off the ground as well because you know you generate your power from your legs and that one he’s hitting it from midair I would expect him to just go up a notch a half a notch from what we saw

The other night as well he he you know he’s a possessor of Untold Talent this young man and uh the closer it gets to the start of the the first Grand slam of the Year you’d expect him to be [Applause] peaking dear oh help advantage alaras [Applause] deals [Applause] well he’s renowned for the spin and the heaviness from the back of the court is rude I mean that extra depth on that first forand that’s what that helps that’s what sets up the potential winner so took seven minutes but Casper holds his Opening Service game leads one

Love Laura Robson is courau side for us L of perfect conditions down there and you’ve got the perfect view but how is the temperature because it has been such a warm day here in Melbourne you know what it’s stunning down here there’s a light Breeze coming through the stadium

From the end that alcaraz was just at it’s coming through so if you’re on that far side you’re a little bit Against the Wind uh but otherwise it’s beautiful it’s cooled down perfect conditions for the players and I know Casper said he was going to take it seriously but a

Seven minute first game is maybe even better than we expected patrons behind you are in the sunlight so they’re going to be a little warmer until the sun drops a little further but for almost everybody else here perfect conditions for watching and for playing Leed for service

You got to say Melbourne does scort so well the fact that I’m in a mostly full stadium for what is essentially a practice match obviously a serious practice match but still I don’t think you get this level of support anywhere else in the world 15 I think it goes to the popularity of

These two players too this has been on the promoters billboard for the past uh 10 days or so so all of these fans have known that this is what they’re coming to watch they’re good Attractions 153 te toal well I like that serve from alcarez not so many of the modern players they go for one line or the other the body serve is a little bit underused I think at times and I know the the power off these strings and modern rackets is more than it used to

Be that’s the technology that they have in their hand but I think the body Ser could be still used a little more and hey this guy’s been number one he uses it Al alar hold his serve one [Applause] all one game on kicking the tournament off on Sunday of course

Andc jovic in and around looks like he’s finished his practice for the day in his streight close off to do whatever he does go out to dinner join Melbourne before the show gets underway life is good we actually saw Novak practicing earlier with Emil rori and we saw rusi

At the end of practice who was so sweaty he looked like he’d been in an ice bath uh but it was good to chat to him to hear how the conditions are playing he thought it was pretty quick out here on Rod laa probably especially in the in the sun

Law I would think he you know in these conditions it might just slow down a fraction off the surface but in the sun it’s quick they believe love yeah it’s interesting because a lot of talks been made about the balls over the last couple of weeks and he was actually saying that even

With the balls being slightly heavier the courts are still fast enough to pick up the pace and and keep the point short if you’re looking to do that 15 13 rude won the point there but alcarez made him play two or three more shots didn’t he with the defense that he

Was so capable of that’s a shot F50 we’re going to keep an eye on tonight because he’s missed a few of those crosscourt a little wide on occasions but the width that he is able to produce opens up the court oh yeah he he hit that for handle every corner of

The Court there in that particular Point great variety and uh that is a weapon [Applause] 304 he’s defended three break points so far one in his Opening Service game two there Advantage so it’s not the biggest serve in the world but it’s it’s not bad he’s

Got a quick arm he’s got a quick action and gets it up around the 200 and that’s something he’s been trying to improve I believe that that first serve advantage and it really SA in that game so it’s a stretch but he prevails and caspero leads 21 two games to one So good start here Casper we’ll go out to the Baseline Carlos is still having a sit down over there um hope you enjoying it out here mate you you’ve got everyone just about everyone from the family with you how’s that experience been with uh everyone following you around the

Country oh it’s fun it’s uh such a great country to visit um I would love to explore more of Australia but there’s no time when you’re playing so sorry maybe after my career I can come down and explore a little more of the country but I’m enjoying they’re enjoying and it’s

Great to have them around and everyone’s keeping the schedule as well no one’s kind of holding you up no they’re fine uh my sister she’s a bit slow every now and then but she uh she’s young so she is excused yep she can’t believe you

Just said that I’ll let you go serve to Carlos oh receive from Carlos gez mate Casper rud everyone good for him may be repercussions too from this is to is outraged at the slide might start barracking for caros actually working on that King Carlos son as we speak I’ve been accused

Of that in my family if you do you’re a bit slow sometimes Dad I can’t I can’t tell you how good that full hand is to have the ability to fall backwards like that David like this return puts caros it’s deep puts Carlos way back on the back foot he’s going back and hooks it there that takes uh strength control

And a lot of spin obviously that’s a difficult thing isn’t it because if you’re coaching Casper you’ve kind of got to say look you played the right shot but it’s not enough exactly Laura there you go take that might as well flatten it out and get the big hit in before the opposition

[Applause] 305 here’s the elarz serve he gets a lot of power from those leads bad for service 40 15 the shot making down here is just ridiculous the the speed that’s coming off their rackets and the acceleration that you know I’m almost surprised that how big Casper’s going as well this is

Like alcaraz’s levels off off his racket yeah we take this for granted it when you sit down Courtside there where Laura is tonight it is extraordinary it seems the ball comes off the racket of these modern players and and look the rackets are different they’re quicker through the air the the swing patterns

Longer which creates more racket head speed and then the ball comes off faster and the strings have made a big difference in this sport over the years fascinating strategically too the variety both ends well he started way back on the Baseline to start his approach there

Alrez so that that caused him a bit of a problem because the forehand wasn’t quite good enough it didn’t make rude stretch enough and he had two to too much of a free hit on that backhand pass advantage alaras he got away with that one okz ties it up at two a

Piece two games off he tried that drop shot on a number of occasions against demon or and it was dangerous and ruds Swift as well yeah you saw him shaking his head there I’m not I’m not convinced he thought in retrospect it was the right move but but he did get away with

It and and you need vers versatility you need to be able to win points in different ways keep the opponent guessing it’s quite funny after almost every point I can see Carlos looking over his box almost saying well that’s not quite the right shot yet and figuring things out as he’s going but

When he really likes likes it the first thing he does is turn to them and give them such a big smile it’s one of the great smiles too for service he’s good for tennis isn’t he oh well look at the crowd yeah Nora said it before it’s

A exhibition match before the Big Show even starts and they’ve flocked on two nights Oh well I do like to see that sort of stuff from Roode because that it means he’s diversifying his game and to go to that next level he possibly needs to do that so it’s good to see great feel there what a return my goodness not that bad a

Surf 15 and I got hammered I think a quick action like this takes a little bit of time probably to get used to in the course of a match and in the first set half a set or full set it probably catches you a little bit by surprise it’s such a quick action

The ball barely reaches his high point game R so an easier service game there for Kasper rude he holds and leads 3-2 lead three games to two for well we’re here with two very passionate test what’s your name me who your favorite Al your for [Applause] and welcome back to Melbourne Park where

Be watching this opening week encounter and we’re in support of the Australian tennis Foundation proceeds from the Australian Open charity matches help support brighter futures for kids through tennis here’s how you can help go to oop. comom A4 scan that QR code to support this very worthy cause giving away over 6,000 tennis

Records this week to young kids as well domestically here in Australia the Hot Shots program run by tennis Australia it’s one of the best Junior entry programs for young kids in any sport local coaches Fitzy around the country help deliver that program and that’s where they start it’s interesting rude you talked about

He’s trying to develop the all Court game he’s allergic to Grass doesn’t like it didn’t play leadup tournament before Wimbledon last year and hasn’t had a great record there is that something you’d What grasses for cows well he thinks so but you perhaps he’s spend a little

More time there and help in other areas of the game just a thought Gee pretty impressive well his game is probably not quite as conducive to it as the guy down the other end who happens to already be a wimon champion but the grass at wimon is a lot different to when some of the old fellas played I can refer to that it was a lot

Lower and faster years and years ago it’s slower and higher bouncing now and more conducive to staying back so there’s no reason why he couldn’t you know if he you know promotes his allc court game a little bit he’ll be good There well incredible from both sides shot was extraordinary and rude was there I’m pretty sure what rude said initially about grass was that it was for golf greens so he’s come a long way since then but it’s hard to see him playing like this kind of tennis with

This sort of aggression and a few slices throughing it like the short slice that he’s been using so far tonight this is the perfect all cut game for Grass Court oh 15 14 15 this is just the warmup what we’re seeing you’re enjoying this the the quality

Is high I knew that wasn’t a Grimace on your face I I know it’s a genuine smile you’re loving it well it’s just a trait g r so R gets a break leads 42 it’s the diversity that they bring as a you know I’m I’m not the

Expert you’re the expert I’m the com fan almost the diversity that they bring the way each point is so different you don’t necessarily know what you’re going to expect it’s not a slug press in the back of the court I Love the Way alcarez Comes forward yeah it’s it’s

Enjoyable well I don’t think you can be a onetick pony these days and and be as good as these guys you you need a few strings to your bow and in fact you need a lot of them and uh I think alare has he’s no normal what we

Would consider in the old days a clay quarter where he just stands back and refuses to miss he’s he’s versatile He’s down a break here though I think he’s a bit surprised to be there too Casper snuck up snuck up on the on him for not a lot of foot movement there on that occasion either just standing and trying to swap that return back well it just seems like Casper’s going a bit

Bigger on the first serve and the second actually from the second serves we’ve seen he is trying to rip it rather than going for that usual standard kick that we see from him sometimes you’ve got to be pretty confident to do that by the way you know if he’s that

Confident this early in the season it’s it org as well for him second service maybe that’s why Laura If he if he kicks it in at 14 49 that’s what happens I think so because he knows what’s coming at him and equally he’s been trying to do the same to Carlos in

The return game so they’re just going all out power I love it though I’m sat here with a smile on my face 14 13 you know nowhere is safe against someone like alcores if you hit the ball as deep as that as rude just did you expect to get your racket comfortably on

The next ball you don’t expect from way back there someone will just bludge in a forehand and and almost hit it out of your reach he does it on a lot of occasions this young man Mar’s gone from 40 love up to facing a break point here Advantage Al Now gets the break so that was a strong fight back and rud will be disappointed with that four he still leads we heard them at the beginning both these players will be in action on Monday of course starting this year’s event on Sunday Carz will take on the veteran Frenchman Rashad

Gasg and rude a Spaniard another Spaniard Albert Ramos finis in that opening round if things go well for rude you would need to be verev in the fourth round but they would be scheduled for a quarterfinal here in the same section of the Draw so it’s Carlos’s turn for a chat now and Carlos you’re regarded as the Oregon the happiest person I’ve seen on a tennis court for a very long time always smiling but not always the case as a kid you used to be a bit angry sometimes yes sometimes who told you not

To my father sometimes yeah he got me and uh I got out to the court you know because of him always throwing the rocket and you know getting M so but he’s happy with the smiling now uh yeah he’s the uh main person on the main reason that I’m uh playing uh playing

Tennis I’m here thanks to him so uh and uh he is the first person that uh tell me every day that I have to to play with a smile so I think he’s happy right now fair enough he’ be happy that you broke back there so let you keep going cheers [Applause]

Carlos well that’s a good insight into what sort of person he is and uh the discipline that he shows on the court and it’s why we like him 15 L it’s hard to imagine him acting badly on cuz I get the feeling from him that even if he wasn’t you know one of the best players in the world he would just be down the local park courts absolutely cracking the ball just having fun that’s her service

L we mentioned this the other night he he’s 20 it’s it’s a bit staggering really that you can be such a full package as a sports man or woman but you know with all that he brings to the table at 20 years of age we all remember

What we were like when we were 20 it’s you and I were a little bit sideways at that age okay I’m just not sure I can remember back that far it’s okay for you Dave holds for all La is staggering isn’t it 20 years of age and all of that

It’s mental and it seems like it hasn’t hid him yet that this is actually his job and I hope it never does because you can’t imagine you know him ever feeling like this is a bit of a chore the way that sometimes uh fit’s probably fail it

I certainly have where you go out and court and you think oh let’s just you know get get this through looking forward to the next week and um no you feel like every time he steps out there it’s exciting for him Laura I’m sure he feels privileged you

Know like like we all should to have the opportunity to play in this great game around the world around the globe in these stadiums and sometimes you got to stop and pinch yourself about actually how fortunate you are and he comes across that way to me should be more of

It he’s starting to step in against that second serve more and more isn’t he and and he’s starting to do some damage so I’m sure that’s why Casper has been trying to pump that second serve up well when you can hit full hands like

This it would be fun to step out on a tennis court wouldn’t it 15 1 t you can get torn a little bit at times may be going for something on on the wrong ball because you know that if you don’t someone like alcra he’s going to smash the first one the first

Opportunity he gets and put you on the back foot so you can pull the trigger a little early sometimes he’s in trouble here for service it’s okay to say wait for the right Ball but then the opposition might pound one past you game alarz well alcarez could have easily been 53 down

Instead he’s now leading at 54 this opening G it’s a big turnaround looks better of big names of tennis starting to get a little EDG here as the starters gun not too far away from firing on the 2024 Grand Slam season well he had a big physical

Challenge in uh Sydney last week in the united cup he he really had to dig deep and you’d imagine he took a couple of days off after that to recover so he’s certainly in good enough form SP G served well there he had trouble with his second serve for a while very he

Seems like he’s fixed a lot of those issues mentioned he’s in R little section of the draw so they would be expected to meet in the fourth round the winner would meet elarz big turnar around past couple of games rud serving was 40 love up to go 53z

Broke held his Serv and and broke again now leads 5-4 and serving rud looked like he was not cruising but moving towards the opening set [Applause] 15 L he missed the last shot but I liked the slice that he dropped mid core dragged alarz off the Baseline and then

Stepped in straight away rude on the next ball just that change off of pace makes such a big difference to someone who loves that power onto his racket 30 long this has happened fast has dropped off the pace slightly Christian I should say Casper I’m talking about his dad now his

Dad who was a good player ranked 39 the world Christian but Casper has dropped off a fraction and uh alcarez is running through the tape in this first Set 40 15 oh impressive finish to the opening sit for caros varez by takes it there he goes and beond B is on the Wheels of Steel here guitar and he’s putting on a real show time oh that’s made my day you mean all these clothes on

Wearing they can come back into fashion it takes 20 years so what you got on now you’ll be you’ll be super in 2044 I’ve been told that before if I keep wearing stuff it’ll come back in a fashion one day good atmosphere down there Laura the

Energy is up and the DJ is doing a great job DJ is playing Banger after Banger and the crowd’s loving it I just love how many people are shouting out for Carlos and Casper that you know we said the start this is an exhibition technically but the people in the crowd

Definitely aren’t treating it that way I would have thought that they’d gone over to BU and Bor there after that exhibition fantastic here we go second set he’s dropped off though he’s he’s missing a lot of balls now rude out of nowhere I don’t know why for two or three games here unlike

Him if Bon B’s really in the house then surely we can request some AB 30 15 FY from down here it just seems like it was really hard for Roode to sustain that level of aggression that he was using early on in the match because when

You think about it he doesn’t play with that sort of power that often so inevitably it’s going to be tough for him to keep it off if he’s not used to it yeah if that’s the case Laura it means he’s trying to play to a faster

Level or a higher level than he’s he’s normally comfortable with exactly and uh inevitably that causes a you know you tread a fine line then and you probably make a few more errors because of it oh that’s good stuff that’s an all Court player coming into his own

Well you’d want to see rude still play at that level though because you have to push through that uncomfortable stage where you might be making a few more unforced errors but ultimately in the long run it’s really going to help his game marz continues on where he left off

Gets the opening game first game second set that balance when he’s moving back there it’s so effortless that he moves into the position seems to love moving backwards and have the ball follow him and doesn’t seem to bother him at all no Panic you saw you saw him change his grip there

And that that’s quite a an interesting way to hit a slice forehand isn’t it that was a slingshot it was like a high lie shot so with the opening break alcarez serving said at the start that he bring the margins in a fraction find the the court rather than just missing he was

Only just missing against demon or but he was missing but he hasn’t done much of that tonight well you you’d expect him the closer it gets to the start of the main event the better he’d get t [Applause] l [Applause] 305 he’s got control of all his slices as well you know he

He’s he’s a big repertoire of shop making ability and then he does that and deliberately angles that backhand volley with Precision so skill and precision it wasn’t he’s just not hoping to make a volley he he hit that into a very small space he’s he’s a talent and he’s still

Expecting the next one back isn’t he the move after this FY still covering the cross core as she would advise just about any Junior player great move off the split step pretty good technique Laura too at the end wasn’t it so he saved three break points at 4-2 in

The first set then won the last four games now he’s won these two and Roode hasn’t held his serve in the last three service games 15 off you know to get a result like this you have to hit the ball out of the middle he and he must hit it out of the

Middle all the time you know I guess the great players do it’s for so many tennis players you wrap it around the FR you hit it on the edge his power has rude really reacting [Applause] now 15 13 rude hit a great backand crosscore mid rally that was a little bit slower but

Made the mistake of playing the same Pace on the next one I think against someone like Carlos who can hit anywhere from any position in the court you have to go bigger than you usually would which is what he’s gone for there but he just makes the court feel so

Small if you’re playing against him and you feel like you’re always uncomfortable you’re always on the back foot and we’re just seeing that at the moment 1 14 f [Applause] de so an hour in the last half an hour has been tored for Casper rude struggling to

Hold serve once again sorry Dave you just saw him put his hands his palms up there too to his box which as if to say what can I do here I mean pretty good serve it comes back within a meter of the Baseline he pops it up and then the

Next one’s a winner it’s quite extraordinary that’s keeping him in [Applause] it you don’t want a bagel set in an EXO do you or anytime Laura thank goodness for sered this game Casper advantage hopefully it’s going to get him on the board Here [Applause] and I think that was an example of where he feels compelled to go for that extra that’s a and you walk a fine line when you do that Advantage [Applause] rout another the effortless Grace speed touch views tremendous this is unfair and look he’s got all the time in

The world he even looks at where Casper’s looking to cover last minute decision here it’s so balanced it’s been some good serving from Rude the way Advantage alcarez a few quick steps and then he just loped along it was like we just time slowed down he was cantering he didn’t need to

Be in a Gallop we moved into some extra type of universe that only Carlos operates in lead for let’s get this guy timed on 100 met Sprint we were talking about that the other night with him and Demon or it’ be really interesting over 30 then who could hang on

But you know when he doesn’t win the point outright on his serve he’s losing the vast majority of points when Al gets it back into Play It’s usually with depth and speed the next Ball’s probably hit a bit short by Roode and then it’s over and he’s still asking questions there

About did he do that right should I move in a bit closer he’s been very annoying at the moment though Carlos that was a heck of a second serve and he still got it back within a meter of the Bas [Applause] line W extraord close to 9 minutes took four

Break points but he finds the line and goes out to a three love Lead we both kind of held our breath then Fitz as that ball floated in and hit the line you thought he’s he’s done it again well he’s at a different level this guy like the first thing he thinks of oh there’s a there’s a gap I’ll hit a

Winner he threads the needle on the break point after he’s played an extraordinary game really Casper must be thinking wow there you go see the look there on the face that’s him thinking goodness what else can this guy do So Carlos things are are going really well for you out here but um the love that you have we we talked about it the other night with the match with Alex I just want to point out a young girl up there she’s she’s only she’s got her

Sign she did it for you it says vamos Carlos give Carlos away will you how does that make you feel I mean feel feel amazing you know I’m uh feel so proud to to have uh you know little fans of course like like like her but uh really

Feel the support here in Melbourne that he just played uh two times here and it’s yeah it’s amazing to play to play here and feel feel from from them do you get people yelling out in the street Vos Carlos like people knocking on the door for room service Vos Carlos like

Everywhere for you uh here not really as I said I didn’t play here too much so uh I can you know I can live here I can live here but you know sometimes I yeah I hear some bito from in the industry yeah well I think it started now so it

Might become a thing vamos Cito one person who doesn’t want to hear that at the moment that’s the man at the other end Casper rude because it’s been a bit of a torret time for him I was just thinking the same thing look at his face during that interview I he doesn’t

Need any more encouragement seven games in a row [Applause] love 15 like a bull fighter with the The Matador 15 on Oh 30 15 I think he’s ready Laura I think he’s ready for the open I’m just shaking my head at how how in the world can you hit this shot from the position that he was in and then finding so much room that’s what’s most impressive how quick he gets

There and then how much time he has to play what is an absolutely insane shot for anyone else game well it’s from the top shelf no doubt about that eight in a row now for love four games you know this can do uh Casper a little bit maybe a little bit of

Damage Arena sabalenka giving the Rope a workout underneath Melbourne Park oh staggers me though you know you’ve got an athlete world’s best training there people just walking past someone carrying trays of fruit all sorts of stuff going on you’re right about that though f such good form in the united cup three wins

Straight sets comes to Melbourne plays a match against Center at kuong 6263 that was Yesterday there we go I think if it continues along this path he he he’ll need to put this out of his his mind Casper just forget about it easier said than done but before he goes into the first round and then apply himself when the tournament starts but it’s bit of a bit

Of a slap on the head to lose eight games in a row for a player of this Quality it’s been in three grand slam finals [Applause] Tera I think that def tried to defy physics a little bit 14 L so flat so hard over the high part of the net someone wanted that one to be in 40 15 that was a second serve right

207 he’s doing everything he can to hold serve here Casper that’s it and he’s done it and he celebrates as well and that’ll get the crowd on his side it’s been a turret time the Casper gets on the board 4-1 to [Applause] elarz few Norwegian fans in the

Stands they punch above their weight the international sporting level Norway they super at Winter Olympics that’s their main thing they almost win the medal tally at the Winter Olympic Games but got a number of world class men and women who are number one in the world in their field of

Endeavor they love their sport H not bad they’re tougher they’re went to school with Laura was telling us earlier with Casper see they’re tough too aren’t they those winter athletes boy have they got the old g& D got some [Applause] Determination here with uh Casper yes yes he’s playing okay but uh how dod you get back into this one oh I didn’t think I need a miracle but um you know Carlos is uh it’s really good player of course as he’s proven the world stage for a couple

Years now so uh he’s a tough one i’ you know never beaten him um in an official match I’ve only beaten him in exhibition match so I was hoping I would get another exhibition win tonight but it seems like uh he’s ready to get the exhibition match as well it it it’s not

Done yet I mean he’s playing like he’s got an 8:30 booking at noo so just calm down car in there but I did it for him but I got to do it for you so it’s it’s commen Casper is that did I say it right yeah that’s right uh yeah pronunciation

Can be better but that sounds about right well if you could say it for me cuz know you to say it so the crowd can say for you comen there we go you got IT Crowd comen Casper let’s go there it is good luck mate get get your pronunciations right

There I’ve been tried I thought it was a good attempt Casper One Adam zero look I think Adam was right with one thing I think he’s got an 830 dinner date lined up he’s on fire here and it’s it just happens with ease with him kitos [Applause] 15 just had a Vos rraa from the crowd as well so they’re throwing out anyone’s name well have to worry lur if an Aussie oie Aussie oi oi oi breaks out then I will be confused I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that Casper’s second language was better than peacock’s first

Brutal te [Applause] heal [Applause] 1 140 jeez missed a couple in a row that’s unusual thinking about what he’s going to order at Dinner [Applause] de advantage alar So he saved the break point hold serve and now look at that score line 5-1 for alcarez alz five games to one new balls new new record for carel sarez they go through the r strings even here he takes a new R string for the new balls L

15 I think it’s just the power that’s that’s thrown Casper a bit you know his form’s fine he he he was playing well in Sydney last week I saw him live there he was good so I I just think it’s an Step Up in power he just throwing his rhythm

Off a little bit here 15 he’s 4240 love in the first set yeah on his serve he can rest assured he he doesn’t have to face this sort of power from too many people it’s a rare rare case 30 15 ttio 40 30 D MO so again hold he serve Marez 52 will serve for the match five games To Based on the crowds we’ve seen here this week I think we’re in for a big couple of weeks and Sunday’s opening day perfect weather 26° I think we are going to have a huge crowd in at Melbourne Park just under an hour and a half we’ve been in operation here tied commencement to the opening set has one the last four games and went on an eight game in total winning run broke would serve four occasions and it’s been most [Applause] impressive and the balls are just one game old

And Al CRZ is serving for the match 15 left oh that’s one of the bigger ones we’ve seen from the racket of Casper rou family will appreciate that your own medicine here Carlos of course El garez missed last year’s Australian Open the last time he was

Here 15 back in 2022 he was outside the top 30 made it through to the third round Just 18 years of age he’s a different specimen now he’s going to go in as the number two seed number two in the world and he’s just making a little point to everybody here [Applause] 4013 so Carlos alcarez is ready for the big sh no doubt about that 64 62 impressive

64 62 win here over Casper r enjoyable tennis two times have seen him the game with every game has got better and better and better and he’s [Applause] Ready impressive John oh yes agree with every word you said DAV he’s ready all right he did that uh in a caner really in third gear he turned that match on its head and I think his power just shocked Casper it seemed to anyway a little bit and you

Know winning all of those games n nine out of 10 games at one stage gee whis so stay with us we’re going to hear from both players right after [Applause] this Take a look at some of the highlights of this encounter an hour and 29 minutes and there was a moment in that first set where caros alcarez just flicked a switch and said no no this is uh I’m not going into the tournament like this we’re going to improve and

Improve he did yeah well it’s a rare thing to see shot making like this I mean when you talk about highlights there are innumerable examples here and uh in these two sets imagine what we’re going to see during the tournament from him he he did

Step it up and his pure ball St striking ability is is quite extraordinary how he generates power from seemingly nothing at times and when I say improve I mean that with respect cuz his level in that first the opening half of the first set was pretty high it was great tennis on both

Sides but he just went to another level and you mentioned it it was quick it happened quickly that all of a sudden the momentum shifted and eight games in a row against a player who has been in three grand sem finals by the way and was playing well in that opening set

Yeah it was good tennis and there was a moment there where you know the momentum shifted and they were on an even kill Butz just extended away R couldn’t hold his serve that didn’t help he lost four service games in a row you know I think his anticipation is is

Really uh to another level he he sees the point evolving and he’s he’s you know the great players move before the other player hits the ball they in their lateral Vision they they see where they’re going and they’re already halfway there by the time you know the

Other the opposition hits the ball to them so he he’s got an extraordinary group of skill sets that make him an amazing talent that chase down at the drop shot was a good case in point there he was there so with so much time it was crazy he was able to put in

Two or three long have a look to see where rude was and then play a shot down the line and that was in by 3T it was sort of summed up everything really can’t wait to watch what’s going to happen with him over the next 2 weeks so we’ve been entertained haven’t

We we’re ready now the entree is done the main course not too far away weather’s going to be great crowds will be enormous I’m ready John thank you for your company we’re going to hear from both players with Adam and Laura and we’re on court now with Laura Robson joining myself Adam peacock also Casper R and alz please another round of applause for our two players this [Applause] evening now this chat isn’t so much about what we’ve just seen but a quick word from both of you about um the two

Sets of tennis you played yeah it was uh even though I lost it was a lot of fun you know uh playing Carlos is always tough he’s brings the fir power from Ser for I’m back and you name it so uh good test for me to see where the top level

Of the world is so uh I know uh get a good feeling of what I have to do better if I want to hang hang out with these guys so it was fun even though it didn’t go my way caros yeah I mean uh it’s always a pleasure to share the court

With uh with Casper uh I mean we we played great matches uh a lot of practice as well and obviously as uh he said it’s had really good test you know before the tournament began and uh where and see where where is my My Level you

Know and uh yeah it’s it’s great to to have practice with with him before the the tournament and both of you guys come from such huge tennis backgrounds obviously your dad was your coach but also for you Casper your dad was really a great player in his own right so did

You ever feel like hang on I’m not going to pick up a racket or is it always the case because your sister and your cousin both played yeah it was uh well he’s been in the family it was always kind of in the cards that I was going to be a

Tennis player in the way so that was uh yeah there you go it was uh sort of meant to be I guess but um it’s uh it’s been really helpful you know to have my father being from Norway it’s a small Tennis Country with not too much

History in tennis so uh it’s uh been huge help for me to have someone like him around pushing me helping me doing his best in able uh so I’m able to do whatever I love the most which is playing tennis so it’s without him I don’t think I will be sitting here today

And rumors that you were thinking about being a pilot though where did that come from sorry you were thinking about being a pilot if not a tennis player was that true pilot yeah uh well I just with my lifestyle we fly so much I was always

Kind of interested in flying but uh not sure if I would be a good pilot but uh I would uh maybe pick it up after my career who knows fair enough that that photo by the way and we’ve got another one here that um we’re showing that

Photo of you out front you looked very impatient it was like would you like hurry up come on we got to get to the courts is that true yeah I was ready I wanted to play every morning I think this uh picture is from Florida my grandparents used to have a vacation

House over there so we would go there to escape the winter in Norway so uh I was uh just really happy uh to be in warmer weather and wanting to play tennis it was either tennis or golf over there so uh mostly tennis and that’s uh the yeah

What I’m I’m happy with the that it was more tennis now Carlos um as Laura mentioned tennis family um but coming through obviously there was a guy at the top who was you know you kind of want to be like and you get get there you’re getting there and unfortunately he’s not

Here Rafa but you got the chance to meet him a couple of times and and there’s one there’s how old they car 12 13 uh he I was uh 13 yeah was 13 years old yeah were you nervous meeting him or S were you nervous meeting rappa like uh or he

Was always a a good friend for you well uh no it makes me nervous obviously uh I mean I’ve uh miss him a lot of times right now but uh still still have nerves when I’m speaking with him I’m sharing the cor with him yeah of course he’s my

My my idol he’s my role models since I start playing tennis so I think that that nerves uh will uh will appear you know and uh it’s something that uh it’s impossible to and someone else I know you must have been nervous meeting because you’re a

Big football fan man you met Messi last year do you remember any part of that conversation or were your hands just too busy shaking uh too busy second he’s really busy guy you know uh obviously it was uh it was great me meeting him you know I remember that I was doing an

Interview and uh he he so up you know over there uh I just uh told him uh you know nice nice to meet you and uh see see you in a bit no no more like no more than that so I I would love to speak

With with King a little bit more you know but that uh event is impossible to speak with with him I just threw a picture with him my family as well and that’s all we we could do do you have it framed in your house sorry do you have

The picture framed in your house now uh not this one honestly I have on my phone but I see I see I see put in my house now speaking of other sports Casper you love golf and when I say love golf you have gone to the extent of having your own

Instagram page on like a separate one from your account yeah so why the love so much because there’s another Norwegian that’s pretty good at golf Victor hin who’s who’s around the number one in the world is there a little competition going on there with rankings or something between you and

And Vic uh I don’t know um it’s just you know big hobby of mine I just fell in love with the game when I was young and as a teenager I didn’t play that much but then as as I got closer to you know 18 19 years old I started picking it up

Again and just kind of reell in love with the game and uh I watch as much golf as I can I play as much golf as I can but it’s not easy it you know takes five six hours of your day so with our lifestyle it’s not easy but uh I know

You got some good courses down here in uh Australia so that’s the goal for you know some some courses down here are on my bucket list on the bucket L do you play golf caros I play golf or or I try playing golf there’s two different things two

Different things right which one are you try Play Still uh I just say I’m trying playing golf yeah okay fair enough like the rest of us yeah we weren’t going to let you get away without showing another picture Casper there was a whole photo shoot that you did last year that I’m

Slightly obsessed with because you went full Viking mode how was this talk me through this day how much convincing did it take for them to put you in that outfit yeah it was um quite interesting photo shoot honestly I had um the photographer had been up like in the

Middle of Norway and cut off like um real sheep skin from the from the Sheep it was really it smelled really really bad and I actually had a I had um I was going to the movie theater with my father-in-law later so I was a bit

Nervous that I was going to smell like a sheepo with him for 2 hours so it was quite interesting but I think uh yeah uh I don’t know my I don’t know what I feel about it my uh my girlfriend Maria she wants it in the house but I’m not sure exactly where

Um the land room I want it kind of down in the basement but she’s you know she wants it right there at the entrance so I don’t know it’s going to be a compromise of some sorts I don’t know well sh te but you you love animals

You got a a dog yes do you not yes I didn’t make the trip what kind of dog he uh no he didn’t make a trip he’s a shih tzu so he’s a great little fella you know I’ve just really yeah we’ve had him

For 3 years and I went to the Zoe the other day here and uh was it a good zoo or yeah we went to W whereby yeah um yeah so that was that was a great experience you know just seeing animals up close is really fun to do every now

And then um I didn’t really realize but I guess I’m some kind of animal lover cuz every time I go to a Sue or see animal I’m really into it so it was a really cool experience you got the whole thing you got the the Shih Tzu and then

You’ve got the goodu as well so Shih Tzu and goodu yeah that’s Sor I had to get that in you had to get it in I had to sorry Carlos you arrived in Melbourne pretty early this is your second time out on road labor this week is there

Anything that you’ve been up to in your spare time around the city well I had not uh too much time you know to go to walk around and explore a little bit the city but I would love to uh honestly I hear that here in Melbourne there are uh

A lot of things to do a lot of um you know places to to buit one place is uh as for example that uh I just went to auu just once when I was you know 10 years old something like that so and I would love to go here and probably uh I

Will find the time and I will find the the right day to to go and uh and visit the the Animas as go excellent well Casper and also Carlos thanks so much for putting on a show tonight on Rod La Arena and the real show starts on Sunday

Best of luck with your uh respective campaigns for the 2024 Australian Open appreciate it guys thank you thank you thank you so much and that’s all we’ve got time for on Rod labor Arena this evening a reminder the first ever Sunday start to the tournament it happens it’s

Only two days away so a lot of excitement building at Melbourne Park we can’t wait for it all to unfold over the next two and a bit weeks hope to have your company at some [Applause] stage L absolutely brilliant today on and be and she simply has the world at her

Feet time is right now absolutely stunning from alarz got some heavy [Applause] artillery what a way to finish it off if you don’t have your popcorn ready get it out this is going to be spectacular And before you go don’t forget to stand that you I let J SC

41 Comments

  1. 30:43 I dont remember caspar ruud hitting this hard, hes truly trying a new game and i like it. he felt lobotomized at times the last year. this FOR SURE is NOT a ball machine.

  2. Whilst these new/next gen are wasting away their vaxxed and fake vaxxed blood, the GOAT is recharging his batteries so he can pound their asses once again in 2024. 😀

  3. Caspar is going to be taken out early again. I have this feeling, there will be a point when they will struggle to call it an "upset".

  4. Just got back from this game live. Huge Casper fan great to see him.
    He's gonna have to tighten up his service game a fair bit before going into the AO, threw quite a few service games this match. Hopefully he finds his rhythm more. Keen for it.

  5. Casper did really well for the first half of the first set. He just can't crumble like he did in the second half. He very suddenly started shanking a bunch of balls and spraying unforced errors. Hopefully he can figure that out simply because I want him to win 😌

  6. ONLY a few players have the footwork, to play down the line after 2 or 3 rally cross court, as playing cross court hard drive always leave the forehand side open…………that makes at least 5 point difference in each set.

  7. I want to go to the zoo! What a cute kid!🤣😃 we got to remember that he is so young! ❤❤❤

  8. Grandes Carlitos & Casper ❤❤😍😍🤩🤩🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🤘🏻🤘🏻🎾

  9. Great game, and I think Boris Becker can pretty much stuff the bad comments he made about Alcaraz

  10. America, UK with help of Australia, Canada & others has illegally bombed Yemen, a country already facing a genocide, including deaths of 200k Kids., but nothing to see there, meanwhile ban flags of countries to be lucky on the map from ravaged by imperialists for centuries.

  11. Financial professionals like John Desmond Heppolette often bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, helping clients develop and implement sound financial strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals. It's crucial for individuals to recognize the importance of seeking expert advice, particularly when it comes to managing investments and mitigating risks….

  12. RUUD played well but not nearly well enough to beat ALCARAZ who was excellent. I also enjoyed their sportsmanship and good manners.

Write A Comment