Norway’s Casper Ruud celebrates after winning against China’s Zhang Zhizhen during their men’s singles match on day seven of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 3, 2023. (Image by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)
Casper Ruud survives epic five-set battle
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud narrowly escaped an early exit after a grueling five-set encounter with Australian Max Purcell.
Norway’s Casper Ruud celebrates after winning against China’s Zhang Zhizhen during their men’s singles match on day seven of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 3, 2023. (Image by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud admitted Thursday he was lucky to still be in the Australian Open after being pushed to five sets in a gripping third-round clash.
The 11th seed was taken to the edge by Australian Max Purcell, who had never been beyond the second round of a major before but was lifted by the boisterous home fans.
Ruud
ALSO READ: French Open: Holger Rune and Casper Ruud remain on last eight collision course
Ruud, the top-ranked Norwegian in history after reaching a career-high two by making the 2022 US Open final, finally ground him down 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) after nearly four hours of intense tennis.
ALSO READ: Roland Garros final: Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud LIVE scores
“I think it was an incredible match and it could have gone both ways,” said the 11th seed.
“Max has taken his tennis to a new level and I wish him the best of success in the year to come.
“He plays fast and is one of the most unorthodox players these days and it’s tough. He made it hard and luckily in the end it went in my favour.”
ALSO READ: French Open match halted as protester ties herself to net – WATCH
World number 45
The Australian world number 45 is one of the few players still relying on serve-and-volley and he repeatedly attacked the net to push himself to the brink of a stunning upset.
ALSO READ: Alcaraz, Swiatek shine bright in Australian Open first-round
Ruud ultimately held on to set up a tough third-round clash with British 19th seed Cameron Norrie, who battled from two sets down to overcome Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.
© Agence France-Presse
