2023-06-11 23:30:32
Casper Ruud has lost none of his good nature. The Norwegian sat down for a press conference just over an hour after his second straight defeat in the French Open final. Swept away by Rafael Nadal in 2022, the world number 4 this time suffered the law of Novak Djokovic (7-6, 6-2, 7-5), winner of his 23rd Grand Slam title. Facing the media, Ruud kept his smile despite this result and praised his opponent.
Do you think that the turning point of this final is in the first set?
CASPER RUUD. I lose an unfortunate game at 4-2 in my favor. We end with long rallies, I miss the opportunity. But I was still leading so I didn’t lose the match because of that. Then it comes back fine. I was a little disappointed not to be able to pick up at the start of the 2nd set. The 3rd was tighter. I tried to stay in the game but I feel like as soon as I play Novak he brings out the best version of himself. It’s really hard to find the opening.
Did you find the key to the image of your start to the match?
He may have been a little nervous at first. But then he found his level, his shots. When you play it, a forehand 20cm from the line is not enough. It pressures you to take more risks. That’s the hardest part. You can’t just defend, you have to try. I think I had a good game plan, but he knows how to manage. It’s not the first time… You can understand why he’s at 23 Grand Slams.
How do you explain his success in decisive games (Djokovic won 5 out of 5 in this Roland-Garros)?
He’s leveling up. He plays incredibly well in defense. He makes no mistakes. And he adds incredible winning shots. He knows when and how to raise his level. It’s annoying for me, but very impressive. I had already seen in our confrontations that he was able to enter a special mode at those crucial moments. You have to give him credit. I hope that one day I will be able to jostle him at the end of sets. He is one of the legends of our sport.
You have lost three Grand Slam finals. Andy Murray had lost the first four. Have you ever discussed this with him?
Not yet. I don’t feel the need yet. It can be good to have an outside perspective. You know, any opponent in a Grand Slam final is a great champion. But, me, I played Rafa (Nadal) ici, Carlos (Alcaraz) who was on fire in New York and now Novak and his 23 titles. I may one day have slightly more playable opponents. These are not excuses. This is without doubt my finest final achieved in my career. It shows that, last year, it was not a once in a while. The others will say to themselves: Casper has already done it twice. I will earn respect in the eyes of opponents. And I’ll be back to try and achieve my greatest goal.
How did you feel when you lost the first set?
You say to yourself: All that for this. It’s hard to come back against Novak trailing 1-0. It was very physical. Wet conditions were tough too. You have to find the energy. I let it fly away in the second. I came back in the 3rd but I have to work on that.
Did you know then that Novak had won his last 100 Grand Slam matches by leading a set to nothing?
Non (smile). He has so many crazy records. But the craziest record is that of 23 titles. I know him a little and I think he will go for more.
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