Nepal Ruud Challenges Novak Djokovic In French Open Final After Conquering Zverev

JAKARTA - Tennis player Casper Ruud will meet Novak Djokovic in the French Open final after defeating Alexander Zverev in the semifinals at Roland Garros on Friday, June 9 local time.

Ruud managed to beat Zverev with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 to advance to his third Grand Slam final in his last five tournaments.

"In this match, I just went on the pitch and tried to play without thinking too much, without pressure, and the results were very good today," Ruud said as reported by AFP on Saturday, June 10.

This is the second time Ruud have been runner-up after being defeated by Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Roland Garros, and then defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final.

The 24-year-old managed to break Zverev's serve six times in the match, so Zverev had to end the tournament as a semifinalist for the third time in a row.

Ruud had a challenging year and came to Paris with a record of unsatisfactory wins, namely 16-11.

"I didn't come to Roland Garros with the idea that I was a favorite to reach the final. It was two very exciting weeks in Paris, and I hope this can be my third attractive performance," said Ruud, who has had the most winning records on clay since 2020.

Ranked fourth in the world, Ruud has never won a single set against Djokovic in four previous meetings, although this will be their first game in a Grand Slam tournament.

Meanwhile, Djokovic managed to reach the final in Paris for the seventh time and the 34th Grand Slam final with a four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz who had cramps.

If successful in winning the final on Sunday 11 June, Djokovic will win his 23rd Grand Slam title in his career, which will break the male record as the most Grand Slam title holder, making him the only player to win at least three times the fourth Grand Slam.