Rudd To Battle Djokovic In French Open Final

The French Open 2023 men’s singles final is set between 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and last year's runner-up Casper Ruud.

While Djokovic earlier booked his spot after beating an injured Carlos Alcaraz, Rudd put in a top-notch performance to dismantle Alexander Zverev on Friday evening.

The Norwegian won 6-3 6-4 6-0 to reach his second successive final at Roland Garros and third Grand Slam final.

Rudd least expected to make it to back-to-back finals, saying that he never considered himself as one of the favourites in the tournament. 

"From the beginning to the last point everything was going my way," he said. 

"I didn’t come into the French Open to think I was favourite to get back into the final. 

"It’s been two very fun weeks, just as fun as last year and hopefully third time [in a grand slam final] can be the charm for me." 

Rudd was beaten by 14-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal in last year's final and will face a huge test against two-time winner Djokovic. 

"It’s going to be tough, last year was against Rafa, this year against Djokovic.

"Two of the toughest players," added Rudd, who is the first Scandinavian man since Swede Robin Soderling (2009-10) to reach back-to-back French Open finals. 

"It will be tough, Novak is playing to be the greatest player. 

"He is going for his 23rd, I’m going for my first."