It was easier and more stress-free than a first: at 23 years old, the Norwegian Casper Ruud moves ahead of Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final of Roland-Garros.
The 8th player in the world will now face the most difficult Grand Slam final. He must beat the Spaniard in his backyard, where he is undefeated after two weeks (13 wins in 13 finals).
The untold continues until "Rafa" is confronted in an official match. Ruud will not be starting from scratch. He was a student at the Academy... Nadal in 2018 and still trains there frequently.
Ruud laments, "He beat me almost all the time in training," and he like his "youth idol" has become a clay court professional (7 ATP titles on ochre).
He will be able to compete against the host in three sets that are winning, despite having learned so much from the Philippe Chatrier court.
Rafael Nadal (36), a physically fit man with chronic foot pain that makes him feel alone, has an unexpected chance to surpass the 22 mark a month ago. Grand Slam titles.
Recent statements suggest that his career may be ending. The Mallorcan admitted that it meant a lot to him to reach the final at Roland-Garros. "Even though there were many sacrifices," he said. The great tennis player thinks about the future and hopes for good health.
When asked Friday about his decision between a new win at Porte d'Auteuil and a new foot, he said: "I prefer losing the final." He doesn't think the second option is the best.
