'I'm happy for him, I'm happy for his mum and dad, who I know very well. 'I think in the academy we were able to help him a little bit during this period of time but, more than anything, I like to see good people achieving their dreams. He's always in a positive mood about learning.

'He has a very good character for tennis. The Spaniard said he has 'huge respect' for first-time major finalist Ruud, with whom he has often hit at the Rafa Nadal Academy, although they are yet to meet on the tour. That result meant he became the second oldest men's singles finalist in French Open history, behind American Bill Tilden, 37 when runner-up in 1930. Zverev injury 'not the way' Nadal wanted to reach Paris finalįifth seed Nadal was leading 7-6 (10-8) 6-6 when semi-final opponent Alexander Zverev was forced to retire because of injury on Friday.World number one Iga Swiatek beats Coco Gauff in women's final.To finally play him in a Grand Slam final will be a special moment for me.' 'I guess this is perfect timing and worth the wait.

It's something I've dreamed of,' Ruud said.įirst-time finalist Ruud, the first player from his country to reach a singles final at a Slam, added: 'Nadal is the last of the very top players in the world I have never played against. 'He's playing a student from his academy so it's going to be fun. “Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.Norwegian eighth seed Ruud, 23, has trained at 21-time Grand Slam champion Nadal's academy in Mallorca since 2018.

“It’s great that we Aussies were all able to get a win today,” Duckworth said. It’s been an outstanding day for Australian players in Paris, with Alex de Minaur, Ash Barty and Astra Sharma also advancing to the second round. His next opponent is Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, the world No.93 who eliminated No.29 seed and local hope Ugo Humbert in the opening round. Solid serving was key for Duckworth, who won 78 per cent of points on his first serve and saved 21 break points throughout the match.ĭuckworth is now aiming to progress to the third round at a major for the first time in his career. That losing streak is now over though, with Duckworth hitting 49 winners in a three-hour and 29-minute victory against world No.82-ranked Caruso. The world No.101 entered the tournament with a 0-5 win-loss record in Paris. “That’s why you’ve got to savour them when they come.” “I’m pumped,” said Duckworth, who recalled losing after holding a match point in the 2015 first round. The 29-year-old has persevered through eight surgeries to continue chasing his tennis dreams – and today, he was rewarded with a new career-first.ĭuckworth scored a 6-4 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 victory against Italian Salvatore Caruso, his first-ever main draw win at Roland Garros. If anyone understands the value in patience, it is Australia’s James Duckworth. Paris, France, 2 June 2021 | Leigh Rogers

Scores from roland garros