The World Tennis League was phenomenal this year, and it is set for a final showdown between the Kites and the Eagles. All the matches were packed with action and entertainment in equal measure. Since the WTL has a few bizarre rules, some of the results were unconventional. Casper Ruud found out the hard way, as his teammates, Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, booed him.
The Norwegian player took on Grigor Dimitrov in the crucial rubber between the Kites and the Hawks. Ruud actually managed to eliminate his team by winning the tie 6-4 between them. The WTL has unconventional rules at play, where points get accumulated. If Ruud had dragged the match to a super tiebreak, the Hawks could have earned more points.
Due to WTL’s extravagant rules, Casper eliminates his own team from competition by actually *winning* his match/set 6-4 instead of dragging it to a tiebreak which would give them a chance to earn bonus points. Iconic stuff 😍
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) December 23, 2023
At match point, Casper knew that a victory would send his team crashing out. He was ready to give the point away, but Grigor looped it over the top, and Ruud sent the ball down the line with a powerful forehand.
Casper knew what awaited him as he made his way towards the team bench. Swiatek, Hurkacz, and Caroline Garcia greeted him with boos, and fans would not get enough. However, one user pointed out that the experts would focus on this match, even though Swiatek topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes.
Casper being “booed” by his team after his win 🤣 https://t.co/FdK6EeEX6G pic.twitter.com/JPvn4jgY58
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) December 23, 2023
Iga topped Forbes list as highest paid female athlete in 2023 but watch all the tennis journos ignore the opportunity to correct their previous inaccuracies & just harp on the exho tiebreak result that occurred after a winning set + scoring error
— C | 🩵 1GA POTY🛡️ (@SoCalScreener) December 21, 2023
Following the match, Ruud spoke about taking his chance against Grigor. “I had the chance to win this set so I just went for it. Most of the time my backhand down the line doesn’t work but on match point it worked so I was a bit lucky— or unlucky,” he said (via Tennis Up To Date).
The WTL turned out to be a fun tournament for Iga Swiatek and the rest before the new season. She even spread some festive cheer.
Iga Swiatek spreads festive cheer
While the Hawks crashed out of the WTL this year, thanks in part to Ruud, Iga had only positive words to say. The Pole had previously opened up about how she was taking the event seriously.
However, she took to social media to express her gratitude for participating in the tournament. Swiatek then wished Casper Ruud a very happy birthday, who turned 25 on December 22. The Pole also shared the season’s greetings with her fans.
🎄Fun way to finish the #preseason with you guys. Thanks for these last couple of days and support. Thank you @WTL_WORLD for having us and for this. And again happy bday @CasperRuud98 ☺️
I want to wish you Merry Christmas. May the season bring you only joy and happiness. pic.twitter.com/kbBxpgHHm8
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) December 23, 2023
Iga Swiatek had a good year, and she will hope to continue in this vein when the new season rolls around. Many are backing up Swiatek to perform well at the Australian Open, and Iga will hope so too.