Ruud easily takes the lead against Zverev!
Casper Ruud is at home at Roland-Garros. Already a finalist in 2022 and 2023, he dominated proceedings in the first act of his semi-final against Zverev. Fresh from not having played since Monday (benefiting from Djokovic's withdrawal in the quarters), the Norwegian calmly recited his tennis to lead a set to nothing (6-2 in 38 minutes).
Strong on serve, but above all very good at relaunching (2 aces, 83% of points won on first serve, 2 successful breaks), he left his German opponent with almost no free points. Taking advantage of a slightly blunted Zverev (5 winners, 8 unforced errors) and with a good feel for the game, the world number 7 lived up to his reputation as a clay-court specialist. In the zone, he did everything right (10 winners, 6 unforced errors). Buoyed by his consistently heavy forehand strokes, but also by a backhand solidity not so common in the Barcelona winner, Ruud is currently going it alone.
More confident than ever, the two-time finalist looks well on his way to a third consecutive final. The 25-year-old is playing better and better with each match. Opposite him, Zverev is going to have to wake up in a hurry.
French Open 
