From our special correspondent Porte d’Auteuil

Last year’s Roland-Garros and US Open finalist swept aside Alexander Zverev (6/3, 6/4, 6/0) in the semi-finals to qualify for another Porte d’Auteuil final. The 24-year-old Norwegian hopes to finally reach the Grail. But he knows how his challenge against Djokovic went, who also wants to make history.

In a little over two hours, the matter was over. Casper Ruud (4th in the world) was too solid and clinical in the semi-final against Alexander Zverev (27th). The German never found his game and showed himself well below his usual standards. Ruud, calm, well anchored on his legs and on his fundamentals, never trembled: “I just went on the court and tried to play without feeling too much. At the end of the tournament, everyone is playing well. So I tried to play without too much pressure and without feeling too many emotions. I managed to play well from the first to the last point. I served well. I’m happy to have won this match » declared Casper Ruud soberly on the microphone and with humility, in front of Marion Bartoli. A great success without a doubt.

“I hope the third time will be the charm”

By qualifying for this new Roland-Garros final, the Oslo native reached a third Grand Slam final in the last five rounds in which he participated. Only Djokovic did as well. A level of consistency far too high for Ruud. However, the Scandinavian did not expect it until tackling this Roland-Garros: “I didn’t come here thinking I was favorite for the final. Instead, I told myself that I had to fight one battle at a time. But I would like to be in the final like last year and therefore defend my position as finalist. The last few days in Paris have been wonderful. I hope the third time will be good for me (Ruud has already lost two Grand Slam finals, editor’s note.) ».

On the microphone, the Norwegian also paid tribute to his father, a former high-level professional player (Christian Ruud was 39th in the world at his best in October 1995): “I owe almost all my success to him,” Casper says. Since my early childhood, since I became professional (in 2015, editor’s note), he has accompanied me in all my steps. He always took me seriously. He’s been with me since I was 12, every day. Without him or my mother, I would not be where I am today. It’s great to be able to count on such family support.”

Ruud has never taken a set from Djokovic before…

Sunday will mark tennis history whatever happens. If Djokovic wins, he will be the only one to hold 23 Grand Slam titles. If Ruud wins the trophy, the Norwegian will win his first Grand Slam title and mark the country’s history forever: “It’s going to be tough,” Ruud admitted. Last year it was against Rafael Nadal. This time it’s against Novak. These are the two most difficult players to face in history. I will try not to get too emotional, smile as much as possible and play the best I can. I will try to do everything I can. He will try to win his 23rd victory and me my first in a Grand Slam. We hope to have a great match.”

In their head-to-head encounter, Ruud never beat Djokovic. He has a deficit of four losses against the Serb including two losses on clay, twice on ocher in Rome in 2020 and 2022. He has never taken a set from him either! As Justine Hénin pointed out on France Télévision at the end of the match: “Ruud knows that he is facing one of the greatest in history. He is aware that his task will be difficult, it is true to say that. But he is offering himself this new opportunity. Few people succeed in it. …”.

So, even if his task promises to be arduous, Ruud also has the opportunity to write one of the greatest pages in tennis. It’s up to him to seize it if Djokovic gets a little carried away by the excitement. Both face their biggest challenge on Sunday.