Casper Ruud ends Alexander Zverev’s French Open run with outright domination, reaches second successive final in Paris

Alexander Zverev failed to offer any resistance to Casper Ruud in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open.

Casper Ruud ends Alexander Zverev’s French Open run with outright domination, reaches second successive final in Paris

Casper Ruud

Casper Ruud stamped his authority in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open, as he claimed a straight sets victory over Alexander Zverev on Friday. The Norwegian has now reached his second successive final in Paris, as he gears up for a battle against Novak Djokovic in the finals on Sunday.

Casper Ruud started the match on a positive note, breaking early in the first set. The fourth seed was broken back in the next few games, but held his composure to claim the first set. Alexander Zverev played slightly better in the second set, but Casper Ruud had just stepped up his game to another level.

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Alexander Zverev offered no resistance in the final set, with Casper Ruud clinically dominating the German to progress into the finals. This is Alexander Zverev’s third straight semifinal exit in Paris, after he was forced to withdraw midway through his last four battle against Rafael Nadal last year.

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Casper Ruud marches into the finals with a dominant victory

Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud (Source: French Open 2023)

Casper Ruud dished out a bagel to Alexander Zverev in the final set, as he booked a place in the finals of the 2023 French Open. The Norwegian hardly put a foot wrong in the semifinals, having converted 60% of the break point opportunities.

Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev had his fair share of chances, but could only convert one out of the nine break point opportunities. The German should certainly be proud of the run he had at the French Open, given the circumstances he entered the tournament in. The 2020 US Open finalist has been a shadow of his prior self after returning from a horrific injury he picked up last season.

Casper Ruud has had some physically challenging matches at the French Open this year, as he came off an epic five-set battle against Holger Rune in the quarterfinals. His fourth round clash against Nicolas Jarry for equally demanding, given that he was pushed to the limit in all three sets. The Norwegian will have to be at his absolute best if he is to challenge Novak Djokovic in the finals on Sunday, who is currently gunning for a record 23rd Grand Slam title.

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