French Open 2022: Casper Ruud beats Marin Cilic to set up final clash with “idol” Rafael Nadal

Casper Ruud became the first Norwegian man to reach a Grand Slam final on Friday as he set up a French Open title with 13-time champion Rafael Nadal, who he describes as his “idol”. ” mine. World number eight Ruud beat Marin Cilic of Croatia 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-final held when a protester ran onto the court and tied himself. his neck into the net. She wore a shirt with the slogan: “We have 1028 days left” before finally being cut off by security for free. The match resumed after 15 minutes of suspension.

Ruud shot 16 aces and 41 winners against 2014 US Open champion Cilic.

“It was a great match from my side, I didn’t start the best but Marin played a very good first match,” said the 23-year-old Norwegian.

“I admire Rafa. He is the perfect example of how to behave on the pitch, never giving up and never complaining. He has been my idol all my life.

“He’s the last Big Three player I’ve ever played against, so I guess it’s the perfect timing. To play with him in a Grand Slam final would be great. Hopefully that.” he, too, gets to play against one of his academy students.”

Earlier, on Friday, Nadal reached the final for the 14th time in Paris when Alexander Zverev was forced to retire with an ankle injury following a fall on the court.

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Nadal led 7-6 (10/8), leading 6-6 when the 25-year-old world number three dropped out.

Nadal, who turned 36 on Friday, will play his 30th Grand Slam final and aim to become the oldest men’s champion at Roland Garros and claim his 22nd major title stretch. record.