Ruud speaks out about the controversial point that could have changed the match: "It was a shame what happened…"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 1 Jun 2026 | 01.23

Casper Ruud, controversy with Fonseca. Photo: gettyimages

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Casper Ruud showed signs of devastation after his defeat against Joao Fonseca in the round of 16 at Roland Garros 2026. The Norwegian left everything on the court, but ultimately succumbed to the solid performance of the young Brazilian player. He was asked about a controversial point that could have turned the match around and faced the controversy without hesitation.

Nothing should overshadow the tremendous match played by Casper Ruud and Joao Fonseca, but unfortunately, a difficult-to-explain situation occurred at a crucial moment in the second set. Just when the battle was most intense, with Ruud leading 8-7 in the tiebreak, Fonseca hit a powerful forehand. Ruud responded, and as his shot flew, someone from the crowd shouted "Out," causing confusion for everyone. The chair umpire descended and deemed the ball good, awarding the point to Fonseca.

This is the most complete explanation of the controversy between Ruud and Fonseca at Roland Garros 2026

Why was it not replayed? The shout of "Out" came from a fan and did not distract Ruud, who had already hit the ball when the sound was made. The worst part is that the ball tracking technology used by the TV production, which shows the ball bounces, indicated it was out. It's important to clarify that this is an estimation, not the official system, and at the moment Ruud made the shot in question, he appeared very doubtful, even staying in place looking at the chair umpire as if confirming it had gone in.

A bizarre moment at Roland Garros 😳

A shout from the crowd made it sound like João Fonseca’s shot had been called out.

The umpire checked the mark and gave it in, but Hawkeye showed the ball was out. pic.twitter.com/J49TakY2fc
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 31, 2026

That was the umpire's decision, and the point went to the Brazilian. When asked about it, the Norwegian was firm. "There was a set point in the second, or two," he said. "The forehand shot was very close, it could have been in or out. Obviously, it was called in. So if I had won that set, perhaps the score would have been two to one instead of two to one against. Instead of zero to two, it would have been one to one. So, obviously, it's a pity in my situation," he pointed out.

Ruud described Fonseca's tennis as "impressive"

Many on social media are calling it a robbery or blaming Casper for lack of character, but they overlook that the Nordic player himself had the feeling that the ball had landed in when he saw the mark. It should also be noted that a ball hit with such power can leave an unreal mark, and that with an electronic system like the one used in all other tournaments, the situation would have been resolved.

Beyond this situation, Casper Ruud admitted to feeling very hurt by the defeat and spoke openly about Joao Fonseca's level of play. "I expected a tough match, and that's what it was. He doesn't have many weaknesses in his game. He has already beaten many top-level players, including Novak two days ago. His game is truly impressive," said a man who leaves Roland Garros 2026 having given his all on the court.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ruud se pronuncia sobre el polémico punto que pudo cambiar el partido: "Fue una lástima lo sucedido..."

Casper Ruud