French Open 2022: Marin Cilic, Casper Ruud and the great chance for the final
Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud fight for a place in the French Open final in the second semi-final. A perhaps unique opportunity for the two.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jun 02, 2022, 07:45 pm
It was 2014 when Marin Cilic started a sensational run in New York and won the US Open out of nowhere. Now the Croatian is preparing to win his second Grand Slam title at the French Open in Paris - and thus cause an even bigger surprise than eight years ago.
Because Cilic never felt particularly comfortable on sand, the best result in Roland Garros so far was the quarter-finals (2017 and 2018). In addition, the Croatian left a far from outstanding impression in this year's clay court appearances, in all four tournaments (Monte Carlo, Estoril Madrid and Rome) he failed before the quarterfinals.
Cilic enjoys his run
At the French Open, however, Cilic has shown himself from his best side so far. The three-set success over Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16 was strongly reminiscent of the man who was crowned Grand Slam winner in New York in 2014. And in the subsequent quarter-final match against Andrey Rublev, the world number 23 grabbed. then his fighting qualities.
"I feel great on the pitch, I enjoy being myself and playing my own game. It pays off and I just enjoy the run," said Cilic in the press conference after the five-set win over Rublev. "I'm very proud of it and really happy," said the Croatian, summing up his current mood.
Ruud strews Cilic roses
In the semifinals, Cilic will not meet Casper Ruud before 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Although the Norwegian feels very comfortable on ashes, the Croatians have a unique chance of reaching the French Open final. No Djokovic, no Zverev, no Nadal, no Alcaraz. Everything seems to have been arranged for the 33-year-old.
However, this also applies to Ruud, who qualified for the semi-finals with a four-set victory over Holger Rune and then found himself in a verbal mud fight . On the other hand, the 23-year-old threw roses at his upcoming opponent: "Marin was great all week and it will be another tough match."
Here is the individual tableau at the French Open
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