Olympic Games | 2 Aug 2024

Truls MÖREGÅRDH Reaches Olympic Men's Singles Final

For the first time since 2000, when Jan-Ove WALDNER won silver, and 32 years after his gold medal, Sweden will have a player in the final of the Olympic men's singles tournament. In Paris 2024, Truls MÖREGÅRDH secured a place in the final, marking the first time a non-Chinese player has done so since South Korea’s RYU Seung-Min in Athens 2004.

Truls defeated Brazil’s Hugo CALDERANO 4-2 (12-10, 16-14, 7-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8). The Swede will face FAN Zhendong in the final, a re-run of the 2021 World Championships final. CALDERANO will play for the bronze medal against Felix LEBRUN.

“It’s completely crazy. I am so proud. I have never cried this much,” said MÖREGÅRDH.

Ranked 26th in the world, MÖREGÅRDH overcame the toughest possible start against the Brazilian world number six. Hugo CALDERANO, 28, began brilliantly, and MÖREGÅRDH, 22, was down 4-10 in the first game. He then saved six straight games points and won it 12-10.

Despite the referee's comments on the Swede's serve, he maintained his focus and won the second game 16-14, after saving three game points. In the end, it was a 4-2 victory.

It is the first final in 24 years for Sweden. MÖREGÅRDH had a hard time processing what he had just accomplished after the match point.

“This is the craziest thing that has happened in a long time,” he said.

Next up is the Chinese World number two, FAN Zhendong, who defeated Félix LEBRUN in this morning’s semifinal with a 4-0 set victory.

“I will be proud no matter how it goes,” added MÖREGÅRDH.

FAN Zhendong shattered French dreams of a gold medal, defeating home favorite Felix LEBRUN 4-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4) to secure his place in the gold medal match. The Chinese star, determined to rectify his Tokyo 2020 silver medal finish, delivered a dominant performance to silence the passionate French crowd.