Tennis player Casper Ruud had a tense exchange with the chair umpire during his Madrid Open semifinal match against Francisco Cerúndolo. The confrontation involved alleged crowd interference during the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The incident occurred during a service game in the match. Ruud expressed frustration that a spectator was repeatedly shouting as he prepared for his second serve.
Ruud approached chair umpire Manuel Messina to discuss the ongoing disruptions. He questioned why the umpire had not intervened or issued a warning to the spectator despite the repeated disturbance.
"Have you seen anyone do it before my opponent’s serve?” Ruud reportedly asked the umpire during the exchange. He also asked how many times the disturbance needed to occur before he could demand action.
The crowd present for the match, including a contingent of Argentinian fans supporting Cerúndolo, could be heard whistling and jeering during the discussion.
Despite the confrontation and the delay, Ruud held the service game. He went on to win the match against Cerúndolo in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.
Early in the match, Ruud took a medical timeout for a sharp pain in his shoulder. He stated afterward he planned to consult a doctor regarding the issue.
The win advanced Casper Ruud to the final of the Madrid Open, where he is scheduled to face Jack Draper.
