This Sunday, Philippe Chatrier court, from 11:30 am, final of the women’s doubles: Hsieh (Tpe)-Wang (Chi)-Fernnadez (Can)-Townsend (E-U). At 2:30 p.m.: Djokovic (Ser, 3)-Ruud (Nor, 4).
Casper Ruud. The Norwegian (24 years old; 4th in the world) is not the most spectacular and outgoing player on the circuit but, quietly, he is among the players who matter. He will live, after the final of Roland-Garros and the US Open in 2022 (he was also a finalist of the Masters last year) a 3rd major final out of the last 5 disputed. “I hope the 3rd will be the right one”, smiled the discreet Norwegian who will rely on his physique and his perfectly mastered game to try to get the best of Novak Djokovic who will experience a 34th major final, the 7th at Roland- Garros.
23. Novak Djokovic’s goal, ambition, quest. The 23rd major crown that would put him one step above Rafael Nadal and three above Roger Federer. For pride, history and a new record. The Serb has 10 titles at the Australian Open, 2 at Roland-Garros (2016, 2021), 7 at Wimbledon and 3 at the US Open. He loves the smell of these matches which can give sparkle and echo to his legend. At the foot of a historic meeting, a forgotten calendar Grand Slam on the men’s circuit since Rod Laver in 1969, he had failed, exhausted, picked up by Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open 2021…
In 1973, Roland-Garros ended on a… Tuesday. Due to rain. Ilie Nastase finally won 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 against Nikola Pilic, won the tournament without having lost a single set. In 2012, the final ended on a Monday. Interrupted at 2 sets to 1 for Rafael Nadal against Novak Djokovic on Sunday, the match was completed the next day. On a new title from the Spaniard. Number 7 of his fabulous collection. This was before the installation of a roof on the Philippe Chatrier court (inaugurated in 2020; the roof of the Suzanne Lenglen court will be inaugurated in 2024) which now ensures that the organizers can respect the program of the finals (the 2020 final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has, for the first time in the history of the tournament, been played under the roof).
Reverse covered. A topspin backhand that combines strength, spin and precision. An ample gesture that calls for strength and balance, which gives volume and effect. More spectacular with one hand than with two hands. Among the specialists are Gustavo Kuerten, smiling tornado titled in Paris in 1997, 2000 and 2001 and Stan Wawrinka winner of the French Open in 2015.
