Casper Ruud produced one of the most dramatic first-round matches in recent Roland-Garros history, defeating Roman Safiullin 6-2, 7-6, 5-7, 0-6, 6-2 in three hours and fifty-six minutes after nearly retiring from heat stroke.
Every analysis of the day, free
Create your free account to unlock today's analyses.
The Norwegian cruised through the opening two sets under scorching conditions, with on-court temperatures reaching 33°C. Everything pointed toward a comfortable afternoon. Then his body shut down.
At 5-3 in the third set, cramps escalated into a full heat-stroke episode. "I was walking around like a zombie, I could barely see the ball," Ruud admitted afterward. He dropped eleven consecutive games, losing the third set from a commanding position and surrendering the fourth 6-0. A retirement seemed inevitable.
The bathroom break between sets proved decisive. Fifteen minutes away from the court allowed Ruud to rehydrate and reset. "I would rather lose 6-0, 6-0 than retire," the two-time Roland-Garros finalist said, capturing the mentality that carried him through the decider.
A different player emerged for the fifth set. Ruud broke early and never looked back, closing out a 6-2 final set with renewed purpose. Safiullin, who had sensed the finish line, could find no answer to the Norwegian's revival.
For Ruud, this opening round already feels like a victory in itself. The road ahead will demand fresher legs, but few players at Roland-Garros have shown more resilience on Day 2.
