There are many ways to win a tennis match. During this year’s US Open, USOpen.org will be playing a numbers game, digging deeper into the statistical analysis of select matches to provide highlights, further insights, and data points on player performance.
Casper Ruud takes on Karen Khachanov in the top half semifinals. We look at where they sit compared to the rest of the field and what has got them to this stage.
Ruud and Khachanov have impressed with their attacking displays, with both players sitting atop the Conversion Score leaderboard:
1. Karen Khachanov 73.0%
2. Casper Ruud 72.2%
3. Jannik Sinner 72.0%
4. Andrey Rublev 71.4%
5. Nick Kyrgios 70.3%
Championship Average 67.0%
Conversion Score calculates how often a player has won the point when attacking.
But when we compare the players' Steal scores, we can see that Ruud has the advantage. Ruud has used his tremendous movement and athletic ability to great effect. He leads the Steal score leaderboard:
1. Casper Ruud 41.1%
2. Jannik Sinner 40.1%
3. Daniil Medvedev 39.7%
4. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 36.9%
5. Cameron Norrie 36.8%
Championship Average 33.0%
Karen Khachanov 30.1%
Steal Score calculates how often a player has won the point when defending.
Why is this important? The player with the higher Conversion and Steal Score percentage has won 81% of matches at this year's US Open.
How do they create attacking opportunities?
Ruud is significantly above the championship average in forehand speed, consistency, and spin. This combination allows Ruud to bully his opponents by both setting up and converting attacking opportunities.
Ruud FH Championship average
Speed. 80 mph 76 mph
Consistency 89% 83%
Spin 3,267 rpm 2,583 rpm
Khachanov has used his first serve to great effect throughout the championships. He has hit 88 aces, maintained an average first serve speed of 122 mph (championship average is 116 mph), and won 80% of first serve points.
Who will be able to maintain their Conversion Score? Will Khachanov’s firepower on serve be too hot to handle, or will Ruud’s movement and forehand prove too solid to break down?
