Alexander Zverev exacted revenge on Casper Ruud at the French Open on Friday to reach his second Grand Slam final and first since 2020, with Carlos Alcaraz standing between him and the title.

Fourth seed Zverev, who had lost in the semi-finals at Roland Garros in each of the past three years, fought back to beat Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat of their last-four clash 12 months ago.

Zverev won just seven games when the pair met in the 2023 semis and a similar story was on the cards after Ruud cruised through the opening set.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-french-open-carlos-alcaraz-overcomes-jannik-sinner-in-marathon-contest-to-reach-maiden-final-729739">French Open: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes Jannik Sinner in marathon contest to reach maiden final</a>

But the German raised his game, reaching his first French Open final and keeping his hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title alive.

Zverev holds a career 5-4 winning record against Alcaraz, including a victory in their only previous Roland Garros meeting in the 2022 quarter-finals.

Alcaraz earlier battled past incoming world number one Jannik Sinner in five sets.

"If you're in the final of Roland Garros, you deserve to be there. That goes for him, as well," said Zverev. "He played a fantastic match today. Played a fantastic tournament in general, I think. I'm expecting a very difficult match."

There will be two first-time finalists for the first year since Rafael Nadal defeated Mariano Puerta for the first of his 14 titles in 2005.

The 27-year-old Zverev's only previous major final appearance saw him blow a two-set lead to lose to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.

"I was not ready then to win my first Grand Slam final," said Zverev, the first German man to make the final since Michael Stich in 1996. "I'm definitely not a kid any more, I'm a little older. If not now, then when?"

A German court dropped a case against Zverev over allegations he assaulted an ex-girlfriend earlier on Friday, after a settlement was agreed.

Ruud was targeting a fourth Grand Slam final, but the two-time Roland Garros runner-up was well below his best and struggling with illness.

"I wasn't able to play with the kind of tennis I like to play with intensity because I was kind of limited with my stomach," said Ruud. "I don't want to make an excuse or excuses, but it's frustrating and disappointing."

Alexander Zverev exacted revenge on Casper Ruud at the French Open on Friday to reach his second Grand Slam final and first since 2020, with Carlos Alcaraz standing between him and the title.

Alexander Zverev exacted revenge on Casper Ruud at the French Open on Friday to reach his second Grand Slam final and first since 2020, with Carlos Alcaraz standing between him and the title. Fourth seed Zverev, who had lost in the semi-finals at Roland Garros in each of the past three years, fought back to beat Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat of their last-four clash 12 months ago. Zverev won just seven games when the pair met in the 2023 semis and a similar story was on the cards after Ruud cruised through the opening set. ALSO READ: French Open: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes Jannik Sinner in marathon contest to reach maiden final But the German raised his game, reaching his first French Open final and keeping his hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title alive. Zverev holds a career 5-4 winning record against Alcaraz, including a victory in their only previous Roland Garros meeting in the 2022 quarter-finals. Alcaraz earlier battled past incoming world number one Jannik Sinner in five sets. "If you're in the final of Roland Garros, you deserve to be there. That goes for him, as well," said Zverev. "He played a fantastic match today. Played a fantastic tournament in general, I think. I'm expecting a very difficult match." There will be two first-time finalists for the first year since Rafael Nadal defeated Mariano Puerta for the first of his 14 titles in 2005. The 27-year-old Zverev's only previous major final appearance saw him blow a two-set lead to lose to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open. "I was not ready then to win my first Grand Slam final," said Zverev, the first German man to make the final since Michael Stich in 1996. "I'm definitely not a kid any more, I'm a little older. If not now, then when?" A German court dropped a case against Zverev over allegations he assaulted an ex-girlfriend earlier on Friday, after a settlement was agreed. Ruud was targeting a fourth Grand Slam final, but the two-time Roland Garros runner-up was well below his best and struggling with illness. "I wasn't able to play with the kind of tennis I like to play with intensity because I was kind of limited with my stomach," said Ruud. "I don't want to make an excuse or excuses, but it's frustrating and disappointing."

French Open 2024: Alexander Zverev beats Casper Rudd to set up final clash with Alcaraz

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round. Rain forced the 4-1/2-hour contest to be completed under the roof on John Cain Arena and Zverev found himself in huge trouble as world number 163 Klein turned up the pressure after losing the opening set to take the next two.

"I would have much rather won in an hour-and-a-half but what can I do," Zverev said. "He played incredible, was hitting every ball as hard as he could from both sides. I didn't really know what to do a lot of the times. "To be honest, he probably deserved to win more than me. That's how tennis goes sometimes. I'm happy that I'm through but his ranking is no value to how he's playing."

The 25-year-old Klein, whose only previous Grand Slam main draw appearance was at Wimbledon in 2022, was inching towards his first career top-10 win but squandered the chance to break at 4-4 in the fourth set, much to Zverev's relief. "I was thinking there's a Qantas flight at 11 p.m. tonight straight to Dubai and then one to home," Zverev said, adding that he was just a spectator much of the time as Klein reeled off the winners, finishing with 80 in total. "I was playing but the match was his hands, he was playing winners or he was missing ... I'm extremely happy to be honest."

But Klein also made 83 unforced errors, compared to only 36 from Zverev, and that proved to be the difference. Zverev levelled the contest as Klein frittered away a 3-1 lead in the tie-break and the 26-year-old German swapped breaks with his opponent early in the decider before holding his nerve in a tie-break to prevail. "Now I'm in the third round," said Zverev, who will next face American Alex Michelsen. "It's about recovering and being out here on court because that's what I love to do."

In addition, even&nbsp;Norway's Casper Ruud struggled in a see-saw match against local hope Max Purcell, ultimately winning 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 7-6(7) in his second round in the men's draw.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-defending-champion-novak-djokovic-enters-third-round-with-hard-fought-win-over-alexei-popyrin-680918">Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic enters third round with hard-fought win over Alexei Popyrin</a>

WORLD NO. 1 SWIATEK ALSO SURVIVES A SCARE

World number one Iga Swiatek battled back from two breaks down in the final set to beat Danielle Collins 6-4 3-6 6-4 on Thursday (January 18) and reach the third round of the Australian Open for the fifth successive year. Collins might be ranked 62nd in the world but has a good record at Melbourne Park and beat Swiatek in the semi-finals two years ago before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the title-decider.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek has an excellent record against lower-ranked players but really had to dig deep into her reserves to overcome Collins in a dramatic but scrappy three-hour contest on Rod Laver Arena. The 30-year-old Collins faltered in her serve at key moments in the match and Swiatek found her best tennis late in the decisive set to move onto a third-round clash with Czech Linda Noskova.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round. Rain forced the 4-1/2-hour contest to be completed under the roof on John Cain Arena and Zverev found himself in huge trouble as world number 163 Klein turned up the pressure after losing the opening set to take the next two. "I would have much rather won in an hour-and-a-half but what can I do," Zverev said. "He played incredible, was hitting every ball as hard as he could from both sides. I didn't really know what to do a lot of the times. "To be honest, he probably deserved to win more than me. That's how tennis goes sometimes. I'm happy that I'm through but his ranking is no value to how he's playing." The 25-year-old Klein, whose only previous Grand Slam main draw appearance was at Wimbledon in 2022, was inching towards his first career top-10 win but squandered the chance to break at 4-4 in the fourth set, much to Zverev's relief. "I was thinking there's a Qantas flight at 11 p.m. tonight straight to Dubai and then one to home," Zverev said, adding that he was just a spectator much of the time as Klein reeled off the winners, finishing with 80 in total. "I was playing but the match was his hands, he was playing winners or he was missing ... I'm extremely happy to be honest." But Klein also made 83 unforced errors, compared to only 36 from Zverev, and that proved to be the difference. Zverev levelled the contest as Klein frittered away a 3-1 lead in the tie-break and the 26-year-old German swapped breaks with his opponent early in the decider before holding his nerve in a tie-break to prevail. "Now I'm in the third round," said Zverev, who will next face American Alex Michelsen. "It's about recovering and being out here on court because that's what I love to do." In addition, even Norway's Casper Ruud struggled in a see-saw match against local hope Max Purcell, ultimately winning 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 7-6(7) in his second round in the men's draw. Also read: Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic enters third round with hard-fought win over Alexei Popyrin WORLD NO. 1 SWIATEK ALSO SURVIVES A SCARE World number one Iga Swiatek battled back from two breaks down in the final set to beat Danielle Collins 6-4 3-6 6-4 on Thursday (January 18) and reach the third round of the Australian Open for the fifth successive year. Collins might be ranked 62nd in the world but has a good record at Melbourne Park and beat Swiatek in the semi-finals two years ago before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the title-decider. Four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek has an excellent record against lower-ranked players but really had to dig deep into her reserves to overcome Collins in a dramatic but scrappy three-hour contest on Rod Laver Arena. The 30-year-old Collins faltered in her serve at key moments in the match and Swiatek found her best tennis late in the decisive set to move onto a third-round clash with Czech Linda Noskova.

Aus Open: Zverev avoids shock upset by qualifier Klein, Swiatek overcomes stiff challenge from Collins

Second seed Casper Ruud was sent packing in the Australian Open second round Thursday with defeat to hard-hitting American Jenson Brooksby, a day after Rafael Nadal also went out.

The Norwegian Ruud, who took a medical timeout after the second set, succumbed 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 to the 39th-ranked Brooksby on Rod Laver Arena.

His early exit left the tournament without its top two seeds in week one after Nadal's shock loss on the same court Wednesday to another American in Mackenzie McDonald.

It opens the door to Novak Djokovic winning a 10th Melbourne title and temporarily derails Ruud's dreams of becoming world number one.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defending-champion-and-top-seed-rafael-nadal-crashes-out-of-the-australian-open-553912">WATCH |&nbsp;Defending champion and top seed Rafael Nadal crashes out of the Australian Open</a>

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"First and foremost, Casper is a warrior, I knew it would be a great battle out there," said Brooksby, 22.

"I'm just really proud of my mental resolve after the third-set battle didn't go my way, and to turn it around. I&nbsp;thought I was playing really strong and I just didn't want to lose my focus out there."

The 24-year-old Ruud's defeat ended any hope he had of assuming the world number-one ranking from Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from Melbourne with an injury.

Only two players can now achieve the feat if they lift the trophy, Serbian superstar Djokovic or Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. 
According to the governing body ATP, Ruud could have done so by winning or simply reaching the final, as long as neither Djokovic nor Tsitsipas claimed the title.

That now won't happen in a blow for a player who enjoyed a breakthrough 2022, reaching the final of both the French and US Opens.

Brooksby, who is on his Australian Open debut, will face Tommy Paul next after his fellow American beat Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in five sets.

Brooksby, whose best Grand Slam result was reaching the round of 16 at the 2021 US Open, took charge in the first set, breaking twice, with the Norwegian hitting 15 unforced errors to slump behind.

Ruud, who was scheduled to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals, regrouped at the changeover and earned two break points on Brooksby's opening serve in set two, but he failed to convert.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no2-casper-ruud-takes-inspiration-from-roger-federers-send-off-520601">Read more:&nbsp;World no.2 Casper Ruud takes inspiration from Roger Federer's send-off</a>

They traded breaks through a gruelling second set before the American earned a set point at 5-6 and after a 26-shot rally moved two sets clear on a lucky net cord. &nbsp;

Ruud left the court for a medical timeout at the changeover, apparently for an abdominal problem.&nbsp;

His game didn't improve when he returned, broken two more times before staging a remarkable comeback.

He saved three match points at 3-5 as Brooksby became agitated, slamming his racquet on the ground, before taking it to a tiebreak where he broke early to take it to a fourth set.

But, undeterred, the gutsy American reset to break Ruud immediately and race to a 3-0 lead.

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Second seed Casper Ruud was sent packing in the Australian Open second round Thursday with defeat to hard-hitting American Jenson Brooksby, a day after Rafael Nadal also went out.

Second seed Casper Ruud was sent packing in the Australian Open second round Thursday with defeat to hard-hitting American Jenson Brooksby, a day after Rafael Nadal also went out. The Norwegian Ruud, who took a medical timeout after the second set, succumbed 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 to the 39th-ranked Brooksby on Rod Laver Arena. His early exit left the tournament without its top two seeds in week one after Nadal's shock loss on the same court Wednesday to another American in Mackenzie McDonald. It opens the door to Novak Djokovic winning a 10th Melbourne title and temporarily derails Ruud's dreams of becoming world number one. WATCH | Defending champion and top seed Rafael Nadal crashes out of the Australian Open × "First and foremost, Casper is a warrior, I knew it would be a great battle out there," said Brooksby, 22. "I'm just really proud of my mental resolve after the third-set battle didn't go my way, and to turn it around. I thought I was playing really strong and I just didn't want to lose my focus out there." The 24-year-old Ruud's defeat ended any hope he had of assuming the world number-one ranking from Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from Melbourne with an injury. Only two players can now achieve the feat if they lift the trophy, Serbian superstar Djokovic or Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. According to the governing body ATP, Ruud could have done so by winning or simply reaching the final, as long as neither Djokovic nor Tsitsipas claimed the title. That now won't happen in a blow for a player who enjoyed a breakthrough 2022, reaching the final of both the French and US Opens. Brooksby, who is on his Australian Open debut, will face Tommy Paul next after his fellow American beat Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in five sets. Brooksby, whose best Grand Slam result was reaching the round of 16 at the 2021 US Open, took charge in the first set, breaking twice, with the Norwegian hitting 15 unforced errors to slump behind. Ruud, who was scheduled to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals, regrouped at the changeover and earned two break points on Brooksby's opening serve in set two, but he failed to convert. Read more: World no.2 Casper Ruud takes inspiration from Roger Federer's send-off They traded breaks through a gruelling second set before the American earned a set point at 5-6 and after a 26-shot rally moved two sets clear on a lucky net cord. Ruud left the court for a medical timeout at the changeover, apparently for an abdominal problem. His game didn't improve when he returned, broken two more times before staging a remarkable comeback. He saved three match points at 3-5 as Brooksby became agitated, slamming his racquet on the ground, before taking it to a tiebreak where he broke early to take it to a fourth set. But, undeterred, the gutsy American reset to break Ruud immediately and race to a 3-0 lead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Another top seed casualty in Australian Open as Casper Ruud crashes in second round

Carlos Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam match by defeating Casper Ruud in a thrilling US Open final in the early hours of Monday.

At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Spaniard triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, winning the decisive third set after 73 minutes. After giving up the second set, Alcaraz was on the verge of being down 3-0 games, but he kept his composure and broke back to force a tiebreak.

The third seed, who beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-captain-america-new-world-order-cast-revealed-shira-haas-tim-blake-nelson-to-star-515083">American</a> Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling five-set match to advance to the final, smashed fifth-seed Ruud in the tiebreak, winning 7-1 as the tide dramatically turned in his favour. In the fourth set, Alcaraz showcased some exquisite serving and defensive play to break the tie halfway through.

The US Open in 2021 and the French Open this year's quarterfinals represented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-fear-as-carlos-alcaraz-eyes-childhood-dream-in-us-open-final-against-casper-ruud-515102/amp">Alcaraz's</a> previous best finishes at a major, making it his first Grand Slam final, as reported by the Mirror.&nbsp;

Alcaraz, 19, fell to his back and cupped his hands to his face, rolling over before&nbsp;giving&nbsp;a loving embrace to Ruud at the net.

<img alt="Carlos" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4086f5f5-f8ce-4686-8e0b-ca71b4d24391" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/0_GettyImages-1422906753.jpg" />

Carlos Alcaraz fell to the floor as he claimed the fourth and deciding set. Photo credits: AP

With his triumph, Alcaraz became the youngest player to ever hold the coveted world <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-is-close-to-my-heart-pakistan-head-coach-saqlain-mushtaq-on-kohli-vs-babar-debate-515145">number one</a> title. He then rushed into the audience to celebrate with his family and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been working with him since he was 16 years old.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Carlos Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam match by defeating Casper Ruud in a thrilling US Open final in the early hours of Monday. At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Spaniard triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, winning the decisive third set after 73 minutes.

Carlos Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam match by defeating Casper Ruud in a thrilling US Open final in the early hours of Monday. At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Spaniard triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, winning the decisive third set after 73 minutes. After giving up the second set, Alcaraz was on the verge of being down 3-0 games, but he kept his composure and broke back to force a tiebreak. The third seed, who beat American Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling five-set match to advance to the final, smashed fifth-seed Ruud in the tiebreak, winning 7-1 as the tide dramatically turned in his favour. In the fourth set, Alcaraz showcased some exquisite serving and defensive play to break the tie halfway through. The US Open in 2021 and the French Open this year's quarterfinals represented Alcaraz's previous best finishes at a major, making it his first Grand Slam final, as reported by the Mirror. Alcaraz, 19, fell to his back and cupped his hands to his face, rolling over before giving a loving embrace to Ruud at the net. Carlos Alcaraz fell to the floor as he claimed the fourth and deciding set. Photo credits: AP With his triumph, Alcaraz became the youngest player to ever hold the coveted world number one title. He then rushed into the audience to celebrate with his family and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been working with him since he was 16 years old. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION live TV here:

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Casper Ruud to win US Open, ascends to world number one

Rafael Nadal won his 22nd Grand Slam title after defeating Casper Ruud in the French Open 2022 final. However, since the victory, the Spaniard has been embroiled in a controversy regarding his use of anesthetic injections during the tournament. Here’s a look at the allegations, the defense and the explanation regarding the use of anesthetic injections in the world of sports.

Rafael Nadal and the doping controversy over use of anesthetic injections

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point.

The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula.

"I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-sania-mirza-kirsten-flipkens-crashes-out-in-quarterfinals-467002">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis&nbsp;Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals</a>

"I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend."

Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1.

"Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season."

For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash.

Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev.

After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors.

Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev.

"I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters.

"This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-naomi-osaka-outclasses-danielle-collins-to-set-up-maiden-semifinal-date-against-belinda-bencic-466949">Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic</a>

Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments.

"Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added.

Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters.

Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash. Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point. The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula. "I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals "I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend." Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1. "Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season." For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash. Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev. After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors. Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev. "I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters. "This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me." ALSO READ: Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments. "Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added. Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters. Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-karolina-pliskova-knocked-out-of-french-open-223175">French Open</a> since 1972.

The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999.

Federer lost that year in the first round.

The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set.

The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win.

"I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference.

"The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said.

Federer was making his first appearance at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-novak-djokovic-cruises-into-third-round-after-convincing-win-over-henri-laaksonen-223046">Roland Garros</a> since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015.

He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass.

"I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said.

As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said,&nbsp;"Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy."

Federer quipped back,&nbsp;"I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!"

Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era.

He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972. The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999. Federer lost that year in the first round. The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set. The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win. "I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference. "The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said. Federer was making his first appearance at Roland Garros since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015. He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass. "I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said. As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said, "Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy." Federer quipped back, "I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!" Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era. He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

French Open: Roger Federer wins his 400th Grand Slam match, blazes into fourth round

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