Casper Ruud fought in back-to-back Roland Garros finals in 2022 and 2023. The Norwegian reached the spotlight of the sport's toughest stages - with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic standing across the net!
The legends proved too strong for the Norseman, beating him in straight sets to reign in Paris and leave him with the runner-up trophies. Casper reflected on those experiences.
He offered a candid look into what truly separates the legends, especially on the Paris clay. For Ruud, the challenge against Nadal in 2022 felt unlike anything he had experiences.
The Spaniard's trademark spin, weight of shot and relentless depth forged an immediate physical storm and issues. Casper was driven into uncomfortable positions from the very first rally.
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The intensity of each exchange required constant adjustments and draining energy with remarkable speed. He stayed in touch for a set and a half before Rafa shifted into a higher gear and provided a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 victory.
Nadal dominated with the first serve and got broken only two times. He made a push on the return and stole the Norwegian's serve eight times to control the scoreboard and claim his 14th and last Roland Garros trophy.
Like that was not enough, Casper faced Novak Djokovic in the final a year later. After chasing Rafa's spins, he now had to deal with Novak's precision and flatter tempo.
Ruud had more opportunities to redirect the ball, but things got tougher as the duel progressed. Djokovic delivered a 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory in three hours and 13 minutes. The Serb took the pivotal points.
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He denied three of four break points and kept the pressure on the other side. Casper fought well and saved seven of ten break points. However, it was not enough to take at least a set and prolong the battle.
Ruud sees both finals as masterclasses in greatness from the most decorated players of all time, with two very different versions of dominance.
"I could talk about it for hours, but I I will just say that I faced Novak and Rafa in the final at Roland Garros. Novak seemed easier to play against because he does not hit the ball with 40,000 RPM spin and his ball is not as heavy as Rafa's.
Rafa wears you down physically right from the start because every shot is very heavy to return. On the other hand, Novak plays lower and flatter, so you can hit the ball a little more easily. However, he would wear you down physically at some point as well.
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I think the shock or the wave comes earlier with Rafa and remains. He shows you that from the very first point. Novak is a bit different, but they are both incredible in their own way," Casper Ruud said.
