PARIS, JUNE 8  :  Alexander Zverev secured his second Grand Slam final berth by defeating Casper Ruud in the French Open semifinals here on Saturday. The fourth-seeded German overcame a shaky start to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, setting up a title clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

Zverev, who had fallen in the Roland Garros semifinals for the past three years, turned the tables on Ruud, avenging his 2023 semifinal loss. After losing the first set, Zverev raised his level, showcasing grit and skill to claim his first French Open final spot.

This final marks a historic moment, featuring two first-time finalists at Roland Garros since 2005. Zverev’s previous Grand Slam final appearance was at the 2020 US Open, where he lost to Dominic Thiem despite a two-set lead.

Earlier in the day, Zverev’s path to the final was further cleared when a German court dropped a case against him over allegations of assault, following a settlement agreement.

Ruud, aiming for his fourth Grand Slam final, was hampered by illness, impacting his performance. “I wasn’t able to play with the kind of tennis I like to play with intensity because I was kind of limited with my stomach,” Ruud explained.

The match saw Ruud initially dominate, winning the first set convincingly. However, Zverev’s improved play in the second set, marked by 15 winners and only four unforced errors, shifted the momentum. A decisive break in the third set and a strong finish in the fourth secured Zverev’s victory.
As Zverev prepares for Sunday’s final, he is keenly aware of the challenges ahead.(UNI)