Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud are the only players with two Major finals in 2022! The Norwegian became one of the players to beat in 2022, playing in the title clash in Paris and New York and entering the top-2 for the first time in a career.
However, Casper is yet to win a Major, losing both finals against the Spaniards. Carlos Alcaraz toppled Ruud in four sets in New York to deliver the Norwegian’s second loss in the most notable matches. The first came against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in June.
Competing for his 14th Roland Garros crown, Rafa earned a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 triumph in two hours and 18 minutes. The Norwegian used a favorable draw to achieve a career-best result and become the first Major finalist from his country.
Still, he stood no chance against the king of clay, who broke him eight times from 16 opportunities. Rafa fired 37 winners and 18 unforced errors and pushed the rival’s backhand to the limits in one of his most one-sided Roland Garros finals.
They stayed neck and neck in the shortest range up to four strokes. However, Nadal forged the victory in the more advanced exchanges. The Spaniard was especially impressive in the rallies with five or six shots, building a 24-6 lead and marching over the finish line with a bagel in set number three.
Rafael Nadal lost six games against Casper Ruud in the Roland Garros final.
They traded early breaks in the opener, and Nadal grabbed another at 2-1 to forge the lead. They both served well in the remaining games, and Rafa closed the set with a service winner at 5-3.
Ruud broke at love in the second set’s fourth game following Nadal’s errors and built a 3-1 advantage. Rafa shifted into a higher gear and rattled off 11 consecutive games to topple the young rival and race towards the finish line.
The Spaniard produced a bagel in the third set and emerged at the top with a backhand down the line winner at 5-0 for his 14th Roland Garros and the 22nd Major. “Rafa gave me a good beating in the Roland Garros final.
It’s almost impossible to beat him at Roland Garros, and if I ever reach the final in Paris again, I would love to see some other player across the net. I’m happy that my second Major final is not against Rafa on clay,” Casper Ruud said.
