Nadal final yr, Djokovic this yr: Casper Ruud ready to be underdog once more in French Open last
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By India Today Sports Desk: World quantity 5 Casper Ruud mentioned he’s ready to be the underdog within the 2023 French Open Final in opposition to 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, saying he confronted 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal within the last final yr and might be up in opposition to one other legend this yr.
French Open 2023: Full Coverage
Speaking after the match, Ruud mentioned goes into the 2023 French Open Final as an underdog, identical to he did in final yr’s Roland Garros last. Ruud misplaced the 2022 French Open Final in opposition to Nadal in straight units and might be trying to win his first Grand Slam title on June 11.
“It’s going to be tough. Last year was against Rafa, this year against Novak so what do you say? It’s two of the toughest players in the history, I’m going to be the underdog, so try to play without feelings, try to enjoy and smile as much as I can,” mentioned Ruud.
The Norwegian mentioned Djokovic might be going for his twenty third Grand Slam title, whereas he can be chasing his first, declaring the huge distinction within the careers of the 2 finalists. Ruud beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev in straight units to achieve the ultimate of the 2023 French Open.
“Novak is going for his 23rd [Grand Slam title], I am going for my first, it’s a big difference but I will give it my all and I hope we can have a good match. It’s been two fun weeks in in Paris, and hopefully third time will be the charm for me,” Ruud added.
He went on to say that he didn’t come into the event pondering that he was one of many favorites to achieve the ultimate. Ruud beat Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in a match that lasted for 2 hours and 9 minutes.
“I did not come into Roland Garros pondering I used to be the favourite to achieve the ultimate. Not in any respect. I used to be going one match at a time. I’d clearly like to be again within the last and all the time pondering I’d like to defend this finals spot from final yr, and right here we’re,” mentioned Ruud.
Ruud will now tackle Djokovic within the quest for his first Grand Slam title within the 2023 French Open Final on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on June 11.
