French Open 2023: Casper Ruud eases into second round with straight-sets win over plucky Elias Ymer

Casper Ruud is into the second round of the 2023 French Open after a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory over young Swede Elias Ymer in the first round.

Whilst never truly stretched, 2022 finalist Ruud had to be on his toes against a dangerous opponent in the first set, but eventually found the break he needed to take the opener.

He broke Ymer in the first game of the second and when a further break shortly followed to move 4-1 up it certainly looked like the match might become a formality.

But Ymer dug deep and broke back and held, putting the onus on Ruud to serve out if he wanted the set. But Ruud went one better, breaking again to take the second set 6-3.

Again Ymer refused to go down quietly, producing a break and hold to go 2-0 up.

The pair exchanged breaks early in the third but then Ruud stepped up the pace and broke again. Again Ymer got a break off his opponent but he couldn’t stop Ruud from eventually taking the set and with it the match.

Ruud will face the winner of Alexander Bublik and Giulio Zeppieri.

“It was tough,” Ruud said afterwards.

“First match back here since one of the best tournaments of my life last year. I was a bit nervous; trying to defend what I did last year. I won the first set and calmed down. I felt better set by set, and remained focused throughout. It’s really fun. It’s great to be back in Paris and playing in front of the passionate French crowd.

“I had a great experience last year, making the final, with more and more supporters coming to watch [as I progressed]. It’s great playing on this historic court.

“The first time I played on here I got my a*** kicked by Roger Federer a few years ago. We all miss him on tour. It’s been sad and we all hope that he’s enjoying wherever he is.

“I didn’t know about all the [sponsorships] and fashion shoots when I was dreaming about being a tennis player, I thought it was just playing the match, and then you were done! It’s a luxury problem to have.”

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