Casper Ruud vs Alexander Zverev 2023 French Open Semifinals Preview

• Casper Ruud defeated Holger Rune in the quarterfinals of the 2023 French Open
• Alexander Zverev defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the French Open quarters
• Ruud and Zverev both reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year

Alexander Zverev booked an emotional return to the semifinal round of the French Open, beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in four sets on Wednesday.

Zverev will next face Casper Ruud, who delivered a masterclass in his quarterfinal win over Holger Rune.

Sports Brief breaks down this blockbuster matchup between Zverev and Ruud.

Ruud’s road to the semifinals

Ruud is making a trip back to the French Open semifinals. The fourth seed eked out a 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Holger Rune in the quarterfinals to advance to the last four of the year's second Grand Slam tournament, per BBC.

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The Norwegian had his service game going, winning 72 percent of his first serve points against the Dane. He also won 59 percent of his second-serve points in the quarters.

Ruud’s 32 winners against Rune pumped his tournament total to 164. He wreaked havoc against his opponent's serve, winning 43 percent of his receiving points and converting five of his 13 break-point opportunities.

He defeated Zverev 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in their last meeting in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Miami Masters.

Zverev’s road to the semis

Zverev’s quest for a first French Open title is still very much alive after a thrilling 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

It was an impressive display from the 26-year-old, who needed three hours and 22 minutes to oust the Argentinian.

Playing on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Zverev displayed the aggressiveness that made him one of the most feared players in the men’s game. He blasted 45 winners in the quarterfinals against Etcheverry.

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With the victory, the German ace booked a place in the semifinals at Roland Garros for the second straight year.

He will be hoping for a much better outcome this time around after suffering a horrific ankle injury last year in his match against Rafael Nadal.

Zverev will fancy his chances against Ruud as he holds a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head matchup, per ATP. For the German to grab the all-important victory, however, he will need to find ways to limit his miscues.

He committed 44 unforced errors in the win against Etcheverry.

Djokovic vs. Alcaraz is on

Sports Brief recently previewed the French Open semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, while Djokovic made a comeback versus Karen Khachanov.

The Spaniard currently holds a 1-0 lead against the Serbian star in their head-to-head matchups.