Casper Ruud confidently won his round of 16 at the French Open. The Norwegian defeated Chilean Nicolas Jarry in three sets on Monday (June 5th, 2023). For women, Beatriz Haddad Maia was successful in one of the longest matches in tournament history.
With his victory, Casper Ruud made his contribution to a new edition of last year’s emotional quarter-finals against Holger Rune. The 24-year-old Norwegian beat Jarry 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5.
Rune takes on Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in his round of 16. In 2022, things got heated during the last eight clash between Ruud and Rune. Ruud, who won in four sets, then rebuffed his young colleague. “If you’re on a big stage, maybe it’s time to grow up a little” he said at the time.
Last year only Nadal was too strong
Ruud is fourth seeded in the classic clay court and lost to Rafael Nadal in last year’s final in the Spaniard’s 14th French Open triumph. Nadal is missing in Paris due to injury and will be out for around five months after hip surgery.
Haddad Maia writes French Open history
In the third longest game of the professional era of women’s tennis at the French Open, the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia had previously fought her way into the quarterfinals. After 3:51 hours, the 27-year-old was able to celebrate her 6: 7 (3: 7), 6: 3, 7: 5 win against the Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo and had tears in her eyes after the converted match point. She is the first Brazilian to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 1968.
According to the organizers, only two games have lasted longer since 1968. Before that time there are no reliable statistics from the organizers. The record is 4:07 hours from 1995. For Haddad Maria is the round of 16 victory against the world number 132. her greatest success at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. She defeated the German Tatjana Maria in the first round.
Jabeur takes step to first Grand Slam title
Her next opponent had significantly less trouble. Title contender Ons Jabeur of Tunisia beat American Bernarda Pera 6-3, 6-1 in just 63 minutes. The 28-year-old Wimbledon finalist has reached the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments. After taking part in the finals in Wimbledon and at the US Open last year, she is still waiting for her first big triumph.