Three-time Grand Slam finalist, world number 7 Norwegian tennis player Casper Ruud and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev of Germany did not shake hands at the net after their 2024 French Open semi-final match.
The highly anticipated clash between the two young stars had the makings of a classic, with both players battling for a place in the French Open final. However, the match was marred by a tense rally at the net, with the players choosing not to shake hands after Zverev's victory.
“It’s a shame we didn’t shake hands at the end,” Ruud said in his post-match press conference. “I think the emotions were high and there was a lot of intensity on the pitch. Sometimes things like that can happen, but it doesn’t take away from the respect I have for Alex as a player and a competitor.
Zverev, for his part, acknowledged the tension but downplayed the significance of the incident.
"Listen, we're both here giving it our all, trying to win a Grand Slam semi-final. It's an intense moment, and sometimes things don't go as well as you want at the net," Zverev said. "But Casper and I have always had a good relationship, and I'm sure we'll shake hands the next time we meet on court."
The lack of a handshake quickly became a talking point among tennis fans and pundits, with many speculating on the underlying reasons for the frosty exchange.
"It's always disappointing when players don't shake hands at the end of a match, especially at such a prestigious event," said former world number one Andy Murray. "But I'm sure those two guys have a lot of respect for each other, and it was just a momentary lapse in sportsmanship because of the intense nature of the competition."
Others, however, have suggested that the incident could be indicative of a deeper rivalry between the two players, who have faced each other several times in major matches in recent years.
“There is clearly unresolved history and tension between Ruud and Zverev,” tennis commentator and analyst Mats Wilander said. “This was not a one-off incident – there seems to be an underlying competitive edge to their relationship that has built over time. It will be interesting to see how they handle their next meeting.”
