French Open 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds & pick | Roland Garros
Match Details
Fixture: (5) Rafael Nadal vs (8) Casper Ruud
Tournament: French Open 2022
Date: June 5, 2022
Round: Final
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor clay
Prize money: €21,256,800
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel, NBC Sports, Peacock TV | Canada - TSN | UK - Eurosport | India - Sony Ten
Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud preview
The final of the 2022 French Open will witness Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud locking horns in an intriguing contest on Sunday.
Nadal, the fifth seed, is vying for a record-extending 14th crown at Roland Garros. He advanced to the final after an ankle injury forced Alexander Zverev to retire from their last-four clash while trailing 7-6(8), 6-6.
Nadal came into this year's tournament with very few claycourt matches under his belt. However, the Spaniard has proven his mettle with big wins over the likes of World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and the dangerous Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Ruud has also put together an impressive run over the past fortnight. The Norwegian has fended off some of the biggest hitters on tour, including Hubert Hurkacz and Marin CIlic, en route to his maiden Grand Slam final.
Ruud has done well to come through some tough matches. Showcasing his determination and fighting skills, the Norwegian came back from two sets to one down to win his match against Lorenzo Sonego in the third round. He will look to channel the same spirit in Sunday's encounter against Nadal.
Sunday is set 🏆
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Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud, so their current head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud odds
(All odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud prediction
Both Nadal and Ruud possess two of the heaviest forehands on the tour and will look to take control of the contest from the baseline using that shot.
The Norwegian does hold a slight advantage in terms of serving power, but Nadal has the ability to neutralise big serves with ease. The Spaniard managed five and six breaks of serve against Zverev and Auger-Aliassime respectively.
Ruud's backhand is also a bit of a weak link and Nadal will undoubtedly target that wing to draw errors and short balls.
Nadal has spoken about a foot injury that has troubled him in recent months in recent media interactions. That said, it has not really hampered the Spaniard as his movement has been exceptional throughout the tournament. Ruud, on his part, will look to move the Spaniard around as much as possible and test his movement.
That, however, will be easier said than done, against the greatest claycourt player of all time.
Playing in his first Slam final, Ruud is bound to feel some nerves. Nadal, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience at this level. If he can continue to play with the same level of intent and stay injury-free, the Spaniard should be able to walk away with a 14th French Open trophy.
Prediction: Nadal to win in four sets.