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.
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.
