The 23-year-old Norwegian set up Sunday’s final against his idol Rafael Nadal. Ruud defeated Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the first Grand Slam final of his career.
Casper Ruud reacts after winning the semi-final of the French Open. (Courtesy: Reuters)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Casper Ruud dominated Marin Cilic for the latter part of the game
- Casper Ruud showed his attacking ability against Cilic
- Rafael Nadal has already entered the final of French Open
23-year-old Casper Ruud made it to his first Grand Slam final in style, beating Croatian Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 late on Friday night, 3 June. Ruud, after dropping the first set, settled his nerves and went to attack Cilic after the game, displaying a variety of his shots.
By the third set, the big veteran looked beaten and could not keep his head in the game, failing to judge and react to Ruud’s forehand drop shots. The Norwegian, who in many ways is being looked at as a successor to Rafael Nadal on clay, said after the game that it would be an honour to play against his idol. Ruud has never faced Nadal before, and it could make up for a fairly exciting clash on Sunday.
In a slow clay court, Ruud showed his power and aggression, hitting big serves and powerful backhand shots that took the game away from Cilic on the day. Talking about the same, Ruud said that he wanted to take Cilic’s game plan to him, which ended up working well in his favour.
Earlier in the day, Rafael Nadal beat Alexander Zverev after the latter could not continue due to suffering an ankle injury and had to be carried off the court in a wheelchair.
The injury, which looked horrific in real time, made Zverev wince in pain and fall down on the ground. His screams reverberated across the stadium as the helpless crowd looked in horror. The German, however, showed spirit and walked out on crutches after losing via a medical retirement and waved to the fans before going off for further scans.
The nature of the injury put questions on the surface being used in the French Open this year. However, Rafael Nadal assured the reports in his post-match press conference that it was a case of an unlucky accident, and there was nothing wrong with the court.
Nadal will be facing Ruud on Sunday, 5 June with the goal of extending his Grand Slam record.