Semifinal analysis Roland Garros2023 Casper Ruud Alexander Zverev

Overshadowed by a historic duel, underestimated by the general public, but aware that they are facing a unique opportunity to add their first Grand Slam title. This is how they present themselves to these semifinals of Roland Garros 2023 two players with opposite styles and the same ambition, such as Casper Ruud y Alexander Zverev. The Norwegian has resurfaced at the most opportune moment and once again establishes himself as that rock that is impossible to erode from the bottom of the track and that brings out all his virtues on the Parisian clay. For his part, the German manages to close the circle of his recovery, giving himself a new opportunity to step on the final of the Parisian event for the first time in his career. In short, an exciting train wreck with very different engines, but a power and danger that make them candidates for glory.

Casper Ruud, impregnable wall and a debt to collect

Life is not based on merit, but there is no doubt that the Norwegian honors the sport with his game and attitude, giving fans much more than he receives. And it is that a colossal player tends to be underestimated, for the simple fact that he does not have the power of shots, technical variety and charisma that other of his competitors. But let’s not fool ourselves. Ruud is knocking on the door with the insistence of a player destined for glory. He has lost two Grand Slam finals and is now looking for a third, knowing that he is in his natural habitat. The Philippe Chatrier court, Comanche territory for many with its peculiarities, such as eddies of wind and enormous depth, is a place where Casper’s tennis reaches its climax.

After feeling the hangover from last year’s success, getting quite confused at all levels for months and having a very improvable pre-season, the Norwegian has had enough patience and tenacity to persevere and rediscover himself at the most opportune moment. He saw the light in Rome, and in Paris he is shining with his own light. He had some disconnections with Zeppieri and Zhang, but his match against Jarry was key to achieving that consistency that makes him an almost unapproachable tennis player for his opponents. The way in which he beat Rune, signing his best match of the year, is a remarkable endorsement to think that he has many chances to win in these semifinals and defend his position as finalist from last year.

Alexander Zverev, closed circle and path to glory

Chills enter just remembering the sprained ankle suffered by Zverev just a year ago. Who was going to say that, in the next edition, the German would be there again, in the penultimate round and ready to present his credentials to that long-awaited Grand Slam title, which he has been pursuing without consummating success for years. Everything that he has experienced on and off the slopes seems to have greatly strengthened a Sascha who is at an enormous level of maturity. He is no longer weak in the first weeks of the majors, he has substantially improved his second serve, he is much more consistent with his drive and he has a wealth of experience that greatly improves his management of emotions and tactical reading of matches.

Proof of this are the four tiebreaks that he has played during the tournament, ending in victory for him. Two of them were against Lloyd Harris in the first round and another two against a Tiafoe who put him in trouble, that match being a real turning point for him. Molcan, Dimitrov and Etcheverry were the other scapegoats for his entry into some exciting semifinals. He is showing great tennis and an exquisite determination to show that he is prepared for a success that he looked very close to last year.

Tactical keys and face to face between Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev

They have never met on clay and they have never met in Grand Slam, so there are many unknowns to be resolved. What seems evident is that both tennis players will try to impose their rhythm of play to, in the case of the Norwegian, drive Zverev to despair, and in his case, overwhelm Casper with his shots. They are two of the players who are best prepared on a physical level and will establish long backcourt exchanges, in which Ruud will try to move his rival on the drive side, while he will want to play deep towards the Norwegian’s backhand. preventing him from inverting and dominating with his drive.

The efficiency of the Teuton with his service can be decisive since he needs free points and feel in control of the situation at serve, while Ruud will eagerly seek to extend the match, be able to distribute and change directions with his solvent tennis and propose changes of height and speed that take Zverev out of his comfort zone. In the three previous meetings between them, two ended in victory for Alexander Zverevin Cincinnati and Paris-Bercy, both in 2021, but the last game was decided on the side of Casper Ruudin Miami 2022. Exciting duel that is coming in Roland Garros 2023.