Kasper Rudd made it to the final of the French Open, defeating Croatian Marin Cilic in the semi-finals, his first at a Grand Slam. He will now face Rafael Nadal on Sunday.
Casper Roode is in his first Grand Slam final. He will face Rafael Nadal on Sunday, 5 June (Courtesy: Reuters)
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- Casper Roode trains at Nadal Academy
- Casper Roode is one of the best players on the clay court
- Rafael Nadal looking for his record-expanding 22nd Grand Slam
23-year-old Casper Roode is set to play in the final of the French Open 2022 against legendary Rafael Nadal on Sunday, June 5. Rudd defeated veteran Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam competition to reach the final of the prestigious event.
The Norwegian, who trained at Rafael Nadal’s academy, is set to meet his idol in his first Grand Slam final. Possibly Rafael Nadal’s best competitor on clay at the moment, the youngster said it will be a very special moment for him when he takes to the court to face his idol Rafael Nadal for the first time.
After a four-set win against Cilic, Roode said it would be special to play against one of the Big Three and hopes he will make it a little more exciting for the great Spaniard, who is looking for his 22nd Grand Slam.
“It’s amazing when you put it like this (final against Nadal). He is the last player in the Big Three. They are the very top players in the world that I have never played against, so I think this is the right time. Waiting to finally play him in the Grand Slam finals will be a special moment for me and hopefully a little bit for him too.
He has played so many finals (smiling), but at least he is playing a student of his academy this time. Hopefully it’s going to be a fun one,” Roode said after the match.
Along with Roode, Nadal made it to the final of the French Open despite counting himself due to injury in the early stages of the tournament. Nadal set up an epic clash against Alexander Zverev, who was cut short by a terrifying injury to the German’s right ankle. Both played for three hours and 13 minutes and could not complete two sets between the two. The duo kept on breaking each other’s serves before getting hurt in the tie-breaker of the second set. Zverev twisted his right ankle while trying to hit a forehand and screamed in pain as he took the tumble.
He had to be helped off the court and upon his return his right ankle felt very swollen.
Nadal expressed his concern and expressed hope that the player is doing well. There is currently no update regarding Zverev’s condition.