The last year’s Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud came to Paris with a 16-11 score in 2023. The Norwegian will have to raise his level to repeat what he did in Paris 12 months ago, and it’s so far so good for him. Casper defeated a qualifier Elias Ymer in the first round, playing well and earning a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 victory in two hours and seven minutes. After the match, Casper spoke about the match against Roger Federerer four years ago, his only clash against the Swiss maestro. Ruud failed to save any out of three break points, but it was not enough for the Swede to remain competitive following a terrible serving display. A qualifier dropped over half of the points in his games and experienced eight breaks from 16 chances offered to Ruud. The Norwegian hit 28 winners and 34 unforced errors and built a massive advantage in the mid-range exchanges. Both players made a convincing start behind the initial shot and reached 3-3 in swift 22 minutes.
Casper Ruud ousted Elias Ymer in the Roland Garros first round.Ā
Ymer squandered a game point in the seventh game and got broken after a loose forehand. Casper cemented the advantage with a hold at 15 at 4-3 and wrapped up the opener after Elias’ wayward forehand in game ten after 39 minutes. Ruud drew Ymer’s backhand error at the start of the second set for an early break. The Norwegian took charge and secured another break in game five after the rival’s double fault to extend the lead. Ymer pulled one break back in game six with a backhand down the line winner and reduced the deficit to 4-3 with a fine hold in the next one.
Casper held at love to open a 5-3 gap and delivered another break in the next one following Elias’ forehand error to move two sets to love in front after an hour and 25 minutes. They traded breaks at the start of the third set, and Ruud grabbed another in game four to open a 3-1 lead. The Norwegian claimed his third straight break in game six with a forced error, moving 5-1 in front and serving for the victory. Ymer made one last push and pulled one break back in game seven to reduce the deficit to 5-2. However, Casper delivered another break in the eighth game to seal the deal and advance into the second round.Ā