The French Open men’s singles final has been set and it will be contested between Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud.
Date: June 5, 2022
Match time: 3 PM local time / 9 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / 2 PM BST – United Kingdom / 3 PM CEST – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / 11 PM AEST – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Rafa on playing Casper:
I have a huge respect for [Ruud]. First of all in terms of a friend, he has a great character. He’s a great guy, and he has a great family. Honestly, no? That’s the main thing. As a player, of course, I respect a lot him. He did a lot of great things the last couple of years.
Casper on playing Rafa:
He’s been my idol for all my life. I guess this was perfect timing to play him for the first time in a Grand Slam final. At least he’s playing a student from his academy so hope it’s a fun one.
Playing Rafa in a Roland-Garros final is the toughest challenge in our sport probably. I will be the underdog, I’ll try to enjoy, I’ll have to believe that I can do it.
Prior to this season, Casper was thought of as a clay-court specialist. Seven of his eight titles (all at the 250 level) have come on the red stuff. His hard-court games has improved this season, highlighted by a runner-up showing at the Miami Masters (lost to Alcaraz).
Rafa is aiming to capture his 14th Roland Garros crown this weekend at the clay-court major. If he overcomes Casper in final on Sunday, he will eclipse countryman Andres Gimeno and become the oldest champion in tournament history. The only older men’s finalist in Paris was Bill Tilden, the runner-up at 37 in 1930.
Should Rafa win Roland Garros, he’ll extend his record-setting men’s Grand Slam single haul to 22, which would put him two ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Also, it would be the first time our champ ever has won the first two legs of the calendar-year Grand Slam.
Rafa is 8-1 against players trying to win their first career Grand Slam title. Casper will try to join Stan Wawrinka, who beat Rafal in 2014 Australian Open final, as the only player to win his first Grand Slam title against the Spaniard.
Rafa has lost just seven sets during the 13 finals he has played in Paris. He has defeated Roger Federer (four times), Novak Djokovic (thrice), Dominic Thiem (twice), Robin Soderling, David Ferrer, Stan Wawrinka and Mariano Puerta in his previous Roland Garros title clashes.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Sunshine, no roof, Rafa wins 14 and 22. What could be better than this?
Candy from a baby!
Tough draw? Meh…
Well done Rafa!!
Rafa is looking good!
Keep it up champ and #14 #22 is yours!
No drama!
Ready for this final! Let’s get this show on the road Rafa! Good luck champ!
Rafa will give an extra pressconference after the match. Federer will be there too. I think today will be the last match in Rafas carrer🥲❤️
Rafa 130
That is a lie
It’s called “disinformation.” Be nice.
marijnt I should have said “misinformation” because I don’t think Rafa_1310 meant deliberately to spread a falsehood.
Where did you confirm that?
Rafa will be on Court in about 4 hours. Right now I’m very calm but that will dwindle down over the next few hours by which time I will be very nervous – as always but as always will try and enjoy the match. However, I’m hoping that Casper will look across the net at times today and think “that’s Rafa over there, my teacher and I’m at his academy”. When reality hits him, he may start to feel a tad scared which may affect his game. One can only hope. Good luck today Rafa. Vamos.
On Eurosport, Chris Evert was asked if Iga Swiatek could dominate on clay like Rafa. Chris said that she has to get past her 7 FO titles first. Well done to Chris for reminding them just how dominant she was on clay in the women’s game back then.
You can do it, Rafa. There is the last step to hold the 14🏆 at RG. Vamos! ✌
I pray for Rafa nearly daily. When he’s got a match coming I’m praying for him A LOT. Prayers for his body strength have begun for tomorrows final! We all always want “one more” – including Rafa. We love you, Rafa, and know you’ll give 110%! Go get #14/22!!! 🙂 Vamos Rafa always!
Firstly, it wasnt how anyone wanted it, but a blessing in disguise. If this match went to the wire Rafa would probably win it, but would be spent.
Now hes in best shape to win the final. Hes getting matches in reverse order, Casper should have been the Qf, Sasha Sf and Novak final. The way things are going it appears the worst is past him (not taking any credit away from Casper, but compare their paths to the final and youll kno what i mean).
All said, we all know Rafa never underestimates an opponent, so taking everything into perspective, im planning my celebration for a Rafa win tomorrow.
Regarding the future, Wimby is not his favourite hunting ground so its best he skips it. Its pointless (pun intended).
He should play only 4 more this year. Rogers, USO, Paris and WTF. They are well spaced, hell certianly be in good condition physically and if his serve is the same like the AO, hes certain to cross the last 2 off his bucket list.
Comn Rafa, we are with you all the way………………..Im ordering the champagne for tomorrow
Wimbledon this year is pointless hahaha that made my day!
You are wrong yes no points but is still grandslam and hé probably can win all 4 and hé did well the last two times so totally disagree
Vamosssss!!! The 14th is on the way!!!
Rumours spread that Rafa was pulling out of Wimbledon. Well, it seems that’s not official. Rafa has said that he will try his best to be there.
As much as I’d love Rafa to play at Wimbledon if he’s fit enough, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t. Do what’s in your best interest, champ!
Te deseo lo mejor Rafa, tu 14 GS, VAMOSSS!!!
Yes, David holtzman. Liz Clarke is an excellent journalist-vivid descriptions and accurate quotations
on the match👍
Good luck in the final, whatever happened in the semis, you really deserve to be there. Up to your 14th Coupe des Mousquetaires. Vamos Rafa!
All the best to Iga today and Rafa tomorrow!🍀💪🥰
My dreams come true, so happy and thankful😁🙏
Mimi, aren’t you in Paris? I was just about to ask you how’s it going?
Hi Margo,
Yes, and I am having a great time.😊 I thought I wouldn’t see Rafa in Paris after what happened in Rome, but he made the final, just one match away from lifting #14/22, just amazing!!!🙏
BTW., one day I met another Rafa fan and we talked about this site. She said she likes your comments and I said me too.👍
Good luck to our champ🍀💪❤️
Great you’re enjoying Paris, Mimi. Waiting for you to come back home and give your report. You’re a lucky gal!
Just do it for all the right reasons!! You were not given this final, you earned it throughout all your hardworking and tough matches. Be the very best Rafa there is on and off the court, .Vamos man!!!
Good luck Rafa against your Student and friend.
I knew from the outset that you will triumphant this coming fortnight. Bring it home and make yourself the Goat by numbers bcz for all of us you were always The Goat no matter what.
It took a while for it to sink in that Rafa had made the final. I’m not a Z fan at all, but nobody wants to see that happen. I would have backed Rafa to win the match, but it was by no means certain.
Had to laugh at Rafa asking if it was OK to have a piss. Happy Birthday Rafa, despite all the glory you have never changed and I hope you never do!
Another great tennis column by Liz Clarke in the Washington Post today on Rafa, Sascha and the match.
Good luck and happy birthday…
Good luck in the final champ! Go all out and blitz!
Hopefully the roof is open so you don’t sweat so much.
All the best to you, Rafael Nadal. You have overcome so much to reach the final-you deserve this.
Hope you achieve the goal you want-the ultimate birthday gift for you💪🤛👏👍🎾🍀❤️
Good luck and Vamos Rafa❤️ #22