Moments after Casper Ruud completed his three-set demolition of Alexander Zverev in the French Open semi-finals to reach his third grand slam final of the past five majors, he had already cast his mind forward to what awaited him. Along with his joy and satisfaction after another fantastic achievement, Ruud allowed himself a sigh.
“Last year it was against Rafa [Nadal], this year it’s against Novak, so what can you say? It’s two of the toughest players in history,” he said. “I’ve got to be the underdog like today, playing without too many feelings, just try to enjoy.”
It was not the most confident statement. Still, Ruud’s perspective did reflect the mentality behind the considerable success he has enjoyed over the past 13 months. Unlike many of his peers, Ruud has learned how to take advantage of his opportunities and he has consistently put himself in positions, deep in grand slam tournaments, to achieve great results.
This fortnight in Paris has been particularly significant considering the adversity that had preceded it. Having spent much of his off-season travelling around Latin America with Nadal on their exhibition tour, he began the season in dire form. Ruud failed to win consecutive matches in the first three months of the year, recording a 5-6 record in three months of hard-court tennis. His struggles continued during the clay season, his favourite surface. In Madrid, Ruud was flattened by the world No 105, Matteo Arnaldi, in straight sets, his worst loss of the year.
Ruud may not have begun the French Open with high expectations but he has improved with every round. When Holger Rune came alive after sleepwalking during the first two sets of their quarter-final, Ruud reacted as a top player should. He immediately took control, slamming the door shut and winning in four sets. On Friday, he methodically ground a tired Zverev down to advance.
For all of his personal success and progress, the question remains whether Ruud is truly capable of stopping Djokovic. So far, Ruud’s strengths have simply not been sufficient against the Big Three.
Djokovic holds a 4-0 record against Ruud and has won every set. Djokovic’s defensive skills are better, he elicits more free points from his serve and possesses more firepower across both groundstrokes. He has consistently used his all-time great backhand to put Ruud’s backhand to the sword, methodically breaking down the Norwegian’s glaring weakness.
Djokovic’s biggest impediment will perhaps be the weight of the moment on his shoulders. He will be heavily favoured to win his 23rd grand slam singles title, finally breaking his tie with Rafael Nadal and establishing a men’s grand slam record. “I think it couldn’t be better, to be honest,” said Zverev of Ruud’s chances.
“Novak is one of the best players in the world, that’s for sure, but when you’re on the brink of history that adds a little bit of pressure. You remember the [2021] US Open final he had with Medvedev after beating me in the semis still. The pressure, you know, we are all human. Novak is human. We all feel it.”
Djokovic is the only player to have reached seven finals at each grand slam tournament. If he wins the final, he will become the first man to win three titles at each. He is already the first man to win two across the board.
This French Open has underlined what has been clear for the past few years of Djokovic’s career. At 36 years old, as he chases down the few remaining records he hasn’t already conquered, the slams are what truly motivate him.
These are the events that he rises for and the best-of-five-sets format is where he feels most comfortable and confident. As illustrated by Carlos Alcaraz’s cramps in reaction to the tension and nerves he felt during their semi-final on Friday, there remains no greater challenge than facing and toppling Djokovic under grand-slam pressure.
