Zverev seizes spot in final

Alexander Zverev finally escaped his four-year semi-final cycle in Paris with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over an ailing Casper Ruud on Friday to reach the title match at the French Open. 

The German whose domestic violence court case was settled earlier in the day by a reported payoff to his former partner and mother of his three-year-old child, will face Carlos Alcaraz for the Paris title on Sunday.

Zverev sealed his first appearance in a French Open final with his 19th ace after two and a half hours.

The defeat was a bitter blow to Norway’s Ruud, runner-up at the last two editions here. The Scandinavian was affected by a stomach problem and was visited on court by the doctor at one point.

“I can’t describe the feeling, I’m extremely happy,” the winner said. “I have so much history on this court – good and bad.”

The German was carted off in a wheelchair in 2022 after badly injuring an ankle in a semi-final with Rafael Nadal, missing the rest of the season after surgery.

“I’m pleased to be in the semi-final after my fourth semi. I’ll give my all on Sunday.”

Zverev dropped the opening set but quickly bounced back as his game clicked into gear.

The German took revenge for a semi-final loss to Ruud here a year ago.

Zverev has stalled at the final four stage in Paris at the previous three editions and came into the major with the Rome title to hand.

He defeated Alcaraz in a 2022 quarter-final here.

Zverev said that even if his opponent was suffering with his stomach, he had to stay on his game.

“You saw how quickly the first st went away. You have to play your game against him. I knew I had to be more aggressive and take it to him.

“I’m happy the balls went in and I’m happy to be in the final.

“Credit to Casper for fighting until the end. He’s a great champion, a great person and he’ll be back.”

Zverev leads former No. 1 Alcaraz 5-4 in their career series.