Zverev one set away from the French Open final!

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 07/06/2024 à 20h36

2 min to read

Roland Garros Ruud Zverev

At the moment, there's only one man on court Philippe Chatrier. Opposed to a physically struggling Casper Ruud, the champion is quietly reciting his tennis.

No longer really challenged since the end of the first set, the world number 4 continues to dominate proceedings and is just one set away from playing in Sunday's final (2-6, 6-2, 6-4 after 1h59 of play).

While Zverev is barely missing a beat, Ruud isn't looking his best either. Despite getting off to a flying start, the Norwegian's physical condition gradually began to decline. Calling in the doctor, he seemed to be suffering from stomach pains, and was probably ill.

Lacking energy, the world No. 7 is finding it hard to pose any real problems to a bluffing Alexander Zverev.

Taking full advantage of his opponent's physical difficulties, the 27-year-old imposed his game with great tranquillity. Very strong on his serve (11 aces, 84% of points won on first serve), he is distributing the game better and better (41 winners, 20 unforced errors).

Despite a little scare at the end of the set, when he got into a little trouble of his own, the 1.98 m tall player seems to have the keys to the match in hand for the time being.

This performance is, once again, to be put into perspective, as Ruud seems to be clearly in a weakened state.
Livid on court, he doesn't run on every ball and is clearly in a physical state that drastically diminishes his chances of victory. Very combative despite the obvious pain of the day, the 25-year-old is probably hoping that his state of health will improve.

In any case, Zverev has just one more set to win if he is to reach the final of the tournament, where Carlos Alcaraz awaits him.