21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is set to take on Casper Ruud in the final of the Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal is on the brink of creating history. He is chasing a record 22nd Grand Slam of his career and a 14th French Open title. Interestingly, if he triumphs in Paris, it will be the first time that he wins both the Australian Open and the Roland Garros in the same year.
Rafael Nadal is coming into this match after receiving a walkover from Alexander Zverev mid-way through their semi-final encounter. The Spaniard is high on confidence after a dominating 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 win against defending champion, Novak Djokovic previously in the quarters. The Spaniard had earlier suffered a hiccup in his fourth round match against 9th seed Felix Auger- Aliassime but managed to do enough to win the marathon five-set match – 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, coming back from one set down.
Nadal is aiming for a record 22nd Grand Slam in Paris and the final against Ruud is undoubtedly going to be a tricky challenge. Nadal and Ruud have never faced each other before on the ATP tour. On paper, Nadal is the outright favourite both in terms of rankings and past history in the tournament. However, the young Norwegian certainly has the potential to spring up a surprise.
Can Rafael Nadal become the oldest French Open winner?
The oldest champion of the French was Elizabeth Ryan, who won the 1934 women’s doubles with Simone Mathieu (France) at 42 years 88 days. The oldest singles champion was Andrés Gimeno (Spain) in 1972 at 34 years 301 days. Rafael Nadal, who is set to turn 36 tomorrow (3rd June), could very well become the oldest ever singles champion at French Open if he wins the title this year.
If Nadal triumphs in Paris, he will become the oldest men’s champion at the Roland Garros and the fourth oldest winner of a Grand Slam. Only two players have won a Grand Slam aged 36 or older: Roger Federer and Ken Rosewell.
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