Casper Ruud an underdog who hopes to have his day in French Open final

M oments after Casper Ruud completed his three-set demolition of Alexander Zverev in the French Open semi-finals to reach his third grand slam final of the past five majors, he had already cast his mind forward to what awaited him. Along with his joy and satisfaction after another fantastic achievement, Ruud allowed himself a sigh.

“Last year it was against Rafa [Nadal], this year it’s against Novak, so what can you say? It’s two of the toughest players in history,” he said. “I’ve got to be the underdog like today, playing without too many feelings, just try to enjoy.”

It was not the most confident statement. Still, Ruud’s perspective did reflect the mentality behind the considerable success he has enjoyed over the past 13 months. Unlike many of his peers, Ruud has learned how to take advantage of his opportunities and he has consistently put himself in positions, deep in grand slam tournaments, to achieve great results.

This fortnight in Paris has been particularly significant considering the adversity that had preceded it. Having spent much of his off-season travelling around Latin America with Nadal on their exhibition tour, he began the season in dire form. Ruud failed to win consecutive matches in the first three months of the year, recording a 5-6 record in three months of hard-court tennis. His struggles continued during the clay season, his favourite surface. In Madrid, Ruud was flattened by the world No 105, Matteo Arnaldi, in straight sets, his worst loss of the year.

Ruud may not have begun the French Open with high expectations, but he has improved with every round. When Holger Rune came alive after sleepwalking during the first two sets of their quarter-final, Ruud reacted as a top player should. He