The RG 2022-23 runner-up books an enticing fourth round meeting with Joao Fonseca
Casper Ruud saved two match points to conjure up a remarkable comeback over Tommy Paul under the lights on Court Suzanne-Lenglen late on Friday night.
The two-time Roland-Garros finalist battled back from the brink while serving at 4-5 down in the fourth set, before prevailing 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-5 in four hours and 43 minutes.
It’s the No.15 seed’s third career triumph from two sets down at a Grand Slam. As a reward, Ruud booked a box office battle with teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in the fourth round.
Ruud managed to mirror the opening two sets to force a decider and proved his major credentials down the finish straight.
A blazing backhand pass from out wide earned a 2-0 lead for the Norwegian, however world No.21 Paul managed to restore parity at 3-3 with some inspired net skills.
Neither player backed down, but Ruud was bold and brave at the clutch moments. His Grand Slam knowhow shone through by converting three from three break points, while saving 12 of the 14 he faced.
“These kind of matches don’t deserve one winner,” said the ever-gracious Ruud. “It’s very tough for Tommy to end up losing this match.
“These kind of matches are what we work hard every day for. Tennis is such a demanding sport in many ways, physically, mentally. Not many sports do you need to be focused for five hours in a row.
“I think we both did our best, a fantastic job and in tennis there can only be one winner and today I’m lucky it’s me.
“I’m just going to try and enjoy this night and recover to be ready for another tough battle on Sunday.”
With injured 2025 champion Carlos Alcaraz out of the draw, on top of world No.1 Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic departing, the men's field won't be dominated by the usual suspects. Here's Ruud's take.
"It's such an open tournament, which is kind of refreshing and to see that there will be a new slam champion in about a week or so. I think every player is aware of it," stated the three-time major runner-up.
"I'm going to try to use the experiences that I've had of reaching far in slams to my advantage and see where that takes me, but you focus one match at a time. I have an incredible task ahead of me with a young special talent like Joao. He has already beaten top players in his career, so he knows what it takes.
"Today was probably the biggest win of his career, so we are kind of in the same position. We came back from 0-2. It was long matches. So I will see if I can give him a good match and fight.
"He's a very nice kid, so I'm hoping for a good match."
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
